I had posted a previous question relating to post-enhancement double (acutally quadruple vision) and can't find it on the boards. You had asked me to respond with findings. I did get a second opinion with the 2nd surgeon finding striae. (He posted my case somewhere on the internet.) He has recommended to the first surgeon to lift the flap and squirt some fluid under the flap to smooth it out. My worry is that the 2nd surgeon has never done this procedure and is telling the first surgeon how to do it. And the first surgeon never saw the striae to begin with...So how will he know if the wrinkles are gone. And why is a surgeon who has never done this telling another one how to do it...I'm really nervous about all this and from what I can tell sometimes these procedures don't work anyway. Do you know of someone in central NC who is adept at correction flap striae? I am to have this done next week and would appreciate a prompt response. THANK YOU!

You can be successful at removing striae even on your first attempt (I was). In general, the longer striae are present, the more difficult they are to remove. Resolution can require more than just refloating and more than one attempt. If your surgeon has good skills and you have confidence in him, perhaps you should allow him the opportunity to fix your problem. I would certainly be willing to help if needed.

Demetri Dornic, MD

I did have my surgeon refloat my flap and "roll" it to straighten out the wrinkles. Now, instead of quadruple vision, I have "smeared" double vision. This is only at night and only with reflective light. During the day I am 20/20. I go back for a recheck Monday and I guess I have to live with this because I am not sure it is safe to continue disturbing the flap. This is the third time since Oct. that the flap has been lifted.

You should certainly consider seeing a surgeon who is experienced with LASIK and with fixing LASIK complications. You may need to drive a bit, but figuring out what is going on may allow you to recover all of your vision. Your description of night time problems may be due to continued (but less severe) flap wrinkles, or it could be due to something else. But your should certainly consider getting another opinion - but this time from someone who is experienced.
As well - I would agree that the goal is to lift the flap the least number of times. But if there is a problem, then the surgeon would make a decision as to the risks of lifting the flap versus the benefits of what the results of the procedure might due. But there is no limit on flap lifts that I am aware of.

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

P.S. Dr Dornic might be a good person for this type of second opinion, but I do not know how far you are from him

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL