Just had my 5 week post procedure check-up and have residual astigmatism in my right eye of about +.5. The eye refracts to 20/20 otherwise (the best it came out in the pre-lasik exams also). Left eye is 20/15 w/o astigmatism. Doctor is pretty amazed that I even notice it but I do, especially indoors. It seems that the astigmatism is just outside of my constricted pupil in bright light. So I have a few questions.
First, at 5 weeks, can I expect further improvement on its own over time?

Second, while the Ask Lasik docs seem to say that enhancement is a personal decision based on ones own assessment of the risks and benefits, my MD is concerned that correcting something he considers relatively minor (but I don't when I'm indoors)could endanger the acuity I've achieved. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this issue. Thanks in advance.

On the one hand, I understand your doctor's point of view. If you are seeing well with your right eye and just have a minimal amount of astigmatism - then as a doctor you are worried that trying to fix this tiny amount of astigmatism places the patient at risk for a serious complication (infection, inflammation, and/or vision loss). So the doctor will not want to treat your residual astigmatism unless it is really affecting you.
On the other hand - if the astigmatism ir really affecting your vision, then an enhancement might be an option. I would mention that I have had plenty of patients that at 5 weeks or even 3 months had some residual myopia and/or astigmatism - but with time - their vision improved, and an enhancement was not necessary. For you, with such a tiny refractive error, time may allow the cornea to heal and eventually everything will improve.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Thanks Dr. Trattler. Not enough of us take the time to extend our thanks for the time you take to keep this board active. I, as I am sure most posters, do not take this for granted and your efforts do not go unappreciated.