PRK Enhancement after Lasik Enhancement for Overcorrection

[overcorrectedjw]

I am a 49-year-old male who had lasik done in both eyes back in January 2008. I went from very nearsighted (approx -8) to slightly farsighted (approx +1.5). The combination of being over 40 and farsighted made for difficult vision. At the end of 2008, I had lasik enhancement done on both eyes. Immediately after the procedure, my vision was fantastic (best ever). Unfortunately, through regression, my vision soon faded. Both eyes drifted back into farsightedness (approx +1.2). About two weeks ago, I had PRK done on my left eye. The surgeon didn't want to lift the flap for a second time. Given the regression last time around, the surgeon planned to aim toward slight nearsightedness (approx -0.5), hoping to end up at plano. The vision in my left eye is coming along (my up-close vision is better than my right eye at this point, and my distance vision is starting to catch up to my right eye but isn't quite there yet. If all goes well, I hope to have PRK enhancement on my right eye in several months. If the PRK enhancement doesn't work well (to correct the overcorrection), what are my options? Can I have a second PRK enhancement, if needed (which would mean the lasik surgery, one lasik enhancement, and two PRK enhancements)? I'm not looking for perfect vision, just something better than what I have now. (I end up wearing reading glasses all day at work, because my all-round vision is less than ideal.) I certainly appreciate your thoughts.

[Steven Safran MD]

Give the PRK enhancement time...you should do fine. It can be repeated if necessary.