Dear Doctors,
I had high astigmatism (R:5, L:4.5)and had LASIK done on both my eyes exactly one week ago in California. I have 2 concerns but I am back in Korea now and my Doctor went on a 2-week vacation. Please help me with the followings:
1. When I look at a regular 8.5x11 page, it looks wider at the top than bottom, like a fan? It gets worse as I bring the page closer to my face. I also noticed my car speedometer which is perpindecular to the floor looks inclined (top further away). Is this distortion a temporary condition? This is really bothering me.
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2. When I wore glasses, my right eye would get blurry reading things up close. I noticed I still have that same condition. Will this also improve in time or do I have to live with this?
Thanks,
Farid Mehr
U.S. Army, Korea

Do you have residual astigmatism or irregular astigmatism? This mnight explain what you are seeing.
You need to see an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of your symtoms, expecially since you may have problems that need to be treated. You may also benefit from glasses that correct your residual astigmaitsm while your eyes are healing.

As for blurry vision up close - are you over the age of 40? This is a common symptom of people over the age of 40.

I hope this is helpful

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Dr. Tattler,

I am stationed (Army) in Korea and had LASIK in CA in August. Getting any answers from my surgent has become almost impossible. I visited a local doctor and my current prescription is as below. She mentioned "overcorrection" and also irregular astigmatism but sinc she does not do LASIK, I am not sure if she really understands my problem. Last time my surgent told me that I had high correction and it's normal to see these distortions for a few months and that the "farsightedness" will eventually disappear. I love to believe that but now I am confused. Based on this new prescription, do I have farsightedness, overcorrection, irregular astigmatism, or what? Any input from you is greatly appreciated.
Farid

VD = 12.00 mm
S C A
+0.75 -0.50 106 9
+0.75 -0.50 101 9
+0.75 -0.50 99 9
<+0.75 -0.50 101>
mm D deg

(CYL -2.50 30>
S C A
+1.00 -0.75 5 8
+1.00 -0.50 8 7
+1.00 -0.75 5 8
<+1.00 =0.75 5>
mm D deg

Hello Farid - it appears you have an overcorrection, wh/leaves you mildly farsighted w/some astigmatism.
I will have Dr. Miller address this himself and shall get back to you, ASAP.
How old are you and are you in the military in Korea? How is your vision being treated at this point? W/glasses? Contacts? or?

PS: Seoul is a beautiful city - was there last in Dec 1993.

Suzette Sullivan,dm,pa
for Douglas G. Miller, MD Cornea Specialist
@ The Eye Center in San Diego, CA
/ 1-
www.sandiegoeye.com

Dear Suzette,
I am 42, and here is my prescription before LASIK.

R +.25 - 5.00 X 19
L -.25 - 4.00 X 162

As you can see, I had high correction. My vision is not being treated at this time as I was told to wait for improvement over the next couple of months. So, I am putting up with the skewed visoin and blurriness for now.

You are correct, Seoul is a beautiful city but Seoul as well as the rest of Korea would be much more beautiful if they cleaned it up from all the trash that is sitting around. I guess this is a side effect for a rapidly industrialized nation.
I am a civilian with the Army and have been here since 1997, may be a little too long...!

Thanks for your help.
Farid

it is possible that your vision will improve on its own over the next month or two. You are just mildly over-corrected at this time. As the eye heals - your vision can get better. If it does not, then once things stabalize - you will be eligible for an enhancement.
In the meantime - you should try to get a pair of glasses to help you.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

Thank you Dr. Trattler.
Just wanted to let you know that your kindness in replying to so many posts is very much appreciated. This shows you are not just a good doctor, but also a wonderful and caring person, to take the time and help so many folks you don't even know.
God Bless you,
Farid