I had LASIK surgery performed on both eyes two months ago. The left eye came out great, 20/20 vision. I developed DLK in the right eye about 2 days after surgery. Per my doctor's instructions, I have been using Pred Forte drops several times a day. The doctor says the acuity in the eye is about 20/60. I seem to notice very gradual improvement, although it is difficult to tell from day to day. The doctor also told me it may take as long as 5 or 6 months to clear up. I would appreciate any feedback from the physicians on this website, and from any patients who have had a similar experience. Thank you.

>I had LASIK surgery performed on both
>eyes two months ago. The left
>eye came out great, 20/20 vision.
>I developed DLK in the right
>eye about 2 days after surgery.
>Per my doctor's instructions, I have
>been using Pred Forte drops several
>times a day. The doctor says
>the acuity in the eye is
>about 20/60. I seem to notice
>very gradual improvement, although it is
>difficult to tell from day to
>day. The doctor also told me
>it may take as long as
>5 or 6 months to clear
>up. I would appreciate any feedback
>from the physicians on this website,
>and from any patients who have
>had a similar experience. Thank you.
>
DLK should not take 5 months to clear. There is a rare form of DLK called central toxic keratopathy that can take months to clear but cortisone drops do not help this form. I would get another opinion and make sure that the pressure in your eye has not increased from the Pred Forte. This can at times be difficult to detect as the pressure reading may look normal because of fluid between the flap and the bed. I doubt if this is true in your case but make sure as it has been reported to cause loss of vision
If you are in San Diego I would suggest an exam by Dr. Perry Binder in La Jolla or Dr. David Schanzlin at UCSD
Dr. Salz, Los Angeles

>I had LASIK surgery performed on both
>eyes two months ago. The left
>eye came out great, 20/20 vision.
>I developed DLK in the right
>eye about 2 days after surgery.
>Per my doctor's instructions, I have
>been using Pred Forte drops several
>times a day. The doctor says
>the acuity in the eye is
>about 20/60. I seem to notice
>very gradual improvement, although it is
>difficult to tell from day to
>day. The doctor also told me
>it may take as long as
>5 or 6 months to clear
>up. I would appreciate any feedback
>from the physicians on this website,
>and from any patients who have
>had a similar experience. Thank you.
>
DLK should not take 5 months to clear. There is a rare form of DLK called central toxic keratopathy that can take months to clear but cortisone drops do not help this form. I would get another opinion and make sure that the pressure in your eye has not increased from the Pred Forte. This can at times be difficult to detect as the pressure reading may look normal because of fluid between the flap and the bed. I doubt if this is true in your case but make sure as it has been reported to cause loss of vision
If you are in San Diego I would suggest an exam by Dr. Perry Binder in La Jolla or Dr. David Schanzlin at UCSD
Dr. Salz, Los Angeles

Thank you Dr. Salz. My physician has been monitoring the condition by scanning it, and is going to send me to a corneal specialist is it does not show improvement by my next appointment in 3 weeks.

Thank you Dr. Salz. My physician is monitoring the condition by scanning the eye, and is going to send me to a corneal specialist if it doesn't show improvement by my next appointment in 3 weeks.

Jerry,

I don't want to sound alarmist, but you need to listen to Dr. Salz and get a second opinin now. What you describe is inconsistent with normal DLK, treatment, and recovery. You may have something else going on. This is not something to ignore because DLK and associated problems can cause permament damage to the cornea, resulting in long-term vision quality reduction.

If nothing else, a second opinion will give you the peace of mind that your primary doctor is on the right path. If you are not on the right path, the doctors recommended by Dr. Salz are very well respected in the ophthalmic community and would undoubtedly get you on the road to recovery.

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

Thanks Glenn

Just wanted to post an update on my DLK experience, and hopefully get some more feedback. I went to my doctor today, and he said that the haziness in the eye from the DLK has disappeared, but it has left a flat spot on my cornea. Accuity is about 20/60, and I see ghost images from that eye. He also explained to me that he doesn't feel an enhancement surgery would help, as the cornea cannot be built back up where it is flat. He is recommending wearing a contact lens in that eye, and is also sending me to see a corneal specialist for a second opinion.
When the DLK first appeared, the doctor said he felt it was a mild case. Is it possible he should have been more aggessive with the treatment? He did not lift the flap, but treated it with pred forte. Thanks again, any feedback would be appreciated.