As I have previously posted, I had Lasik on 7/16/99. Three days later, I brushed my right eye accidentally with a napkin and folded the flap. My Dr. picked up the flap and put it down again, but really had to abrase the cornea to reposition it. Well, the next day, I returned and was told everything was O.K.

My question... Today, I returned for my 10 day post-op exam and was told that there is a "ripple" in the flap. The doctor said that he saw it on my 24 hr. visit but "didn't want to worry" me. So, it is still there! He doesn't want to lift the flap again because of the risk of further damage. The weird thing is that I test 20/20 in both eyes on the chart, but I get a weird blur at the edge of my sight in my right eye. Also, my right eye is my dominant eye and is slightly less sharp than the left, which is annoying. What do you recommend I do? Wait a few months, presumably to allow any inflammation to subside,and try the flap again (although the doc said he would "try to discourage" me from this)? Wait six months and address it if an enhancement is needed (my previous vision was -6.0, so it might be needed regardless)? Do nothing and live with it? I'm sad to think that my vision will be permanantly impaired by this ripple. Thanks for your comments.

Depending on the size ant type, Folds or wrinkles in the flap can caused decreased vision. Some patients will have very subtle wrinkles that do not affect distance vision, although contrast sensitivity may decreased.
One's doctor will discuss with their patient whether a fold or wrinkled noticed post-LASIK should be fixed. Lifting the flap and repositioning the flap to remove a wrinkle is best done early, but as with any procedure there are risks. One must weigh the risks of lifting the flap versus the possible benefit. If the fold or wrinkle is minor, it is possible to watch and see how the eye does. This decision must be made with one's surgeon.

I hope this helps answer your question

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL