<< I have read several of the posted questions about post-op wrinkles. I had
successful Lasik surgery on 10/10. That night, I inadvertently rubbed my
left eye and caused a wrinkle(s). Immediately, I knew what I had done. I
called the doctor and was told that I most likely did not wrinkle. The next
morning an examination revealed that I did wrinkle. The doctor made attempts
to remove the wrinkle by pushing or stretching the flap. She did not lift it
and place it back. I did not ask, but why would she not do that? She has
checked me on several occasions since, but I have not seen much improvement
in that eye. She has been absolutely wonderful and I trust her judgment
implicitly. I see her again in one week. Is it too late to lift and
reposition? What would be the consequences? What chances do I have to have
"good", i.e., 20/20 vision in that eye? It is somewhat blurry and hazy now.
She has plugged it due to dryness and I am using Pred-Forte four times daily.
I use artificial tears constantly. I want to be a complete success story -
what chance do I have?

Thank you,
Ronny

We certainly want you to be a complete success story. It is hard for me to know exactly where the striae are located and whether they are affecting your vision, so I will just provide some general information on striae.
Point number one - striae if identified - need to be treated as soon as possible. One treatment that can be successful is called central compression - where the center of the cornea is compressed. The idea is to push the striae away from the center - and smooth out the center. Striae towards the side of the flap will often not affect vision. Compression of course only works part of the time - if the striae persist and the striae are affecting your vision - then more needs to be done. Remember that time is of the essence.
So if the striae persist - more will need to be done. There are a variety of techniques to do next - and the kery is that the sooner the techniques are used, the higher the success rate.
Since I am not your doctor - I can not know why you are not seeing well yet in that eye. If your doctor still feels you should wait, but you are still concerned, then a second opinion from another specialist may be helpful

I wish you the very best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL