Im sorry to hear of your significant overcorrection. Overcorrections do occur and sometimes are deliberate to accommodate expected regression, but yours is well beyond anything that may have been planned.
Epithelial ingrowth is one of the more benign problems that can occur with Lasik or IntraLasik - if it is monitored and treated correctly.
The epithelium is the outermost layer of cells on the cornea. Epithelial cells are the fastest reproducing cells and human body. During the Lasik process it is possible for epithelial cells to get underneath the Lasik flap. Often the cells will not survive will be expelled or absorbed by the cornea, but if they do survive they will do what cells do and that is divided multiply.
The problem is that these cells block the flow of nutrients and oxygen through the cornea. If allowed to grow and remain, the cornea will literally stave in the spots where the cells are under the flap. Additionally, the growth of the cells will cause irregularities in the cornea providing poor vision quality.
The process to resolve epithelial ingrowth is to lift the flap, remove the cells, flush the area, and reposition the flap. This process can occur as often as necessary, and it may be necessary more than once in stubborn cases. In your case a separate procedure to resolve the epithelial cell ingrowth may not be necessary. Your doctor may determine it is appropriate to remove the epithelial cells at the same time as an enhancement surgery.
Hyperopic Lasik correction is more difficult than myopic correction, however is still relatively successful and predictable. Undoubtedly you will first want to determine why you were overcorrected and verifying that the circumstances that caused the overcorrection have been resolved and will not interfere with enhancement surgery.
You'll need to discuss with your surgeon the probability of achieving the outcome you want based upon current knowledge of how you respond to surgery, and the unique nature of your new refractive error.
In a situation like this it is always a good idea to seek a second opinion, but often for a less than obvious reason. Obviously you want to know that enhance the surgery is the appropriate choice. Additionally, you need the peace of mind of knowing that your current surgeon is capable and providing appropriate care. Certainly your trust in this doctor is shaken by the significant overcorrection. A second opinion will help you determine if your trust is appropriately placed with your primary surgeon. I recommend you seek the opinion of a coreneal specialist at a university affiliated teaching hospital.
Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org
Patient Advocacy & Surgeon Certification
I am not a doctor.
