I had Lasik 6 years ago, I had a bad astig. in left eye. My vision got progressively worse esp. in astig. left eye and experience eye strain headaches. 5 weeks ago, my doctor recommended enhancement by lifting of the flap instead of recutting on both eyes with the current CustomVue. After 3-4 post op appts I am still experiencing sharp/mild pain in both eyes: feels like sand, burning, redness, dryness, and photosensitivity. My doctor said he noticed slight epithelial growth under right eye flap and said the above symptoms are due to the healing process and gave me Vigamox, Ecinopred was stopped 1 week post op. Is this part of the healing or do I have a problem with DLK or something else. Thanks

If you had a problem with Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK), you wouldn’t be asking if you had a problem. You would know. We have a detailed article on DLK at http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-intralasik-dlk.htm that you may find helpful.

After six years your flap will have been very well healed. Although a flap can be lifted and lifting is almost always recommend over cutting a new flap, the process of flap manipulation can be traumatic for the eye. The symptoms you describe could all be attributed to healing after flap lift and enhancement.

The symptoms may be caused by or exacerbated by dry eyes. Lasik enhancement disrupts the nerves that regulate good tear function just like primary Lasik can. You may want to read http://www.complicatedeyes.org/dry_eye_treatment.htm for dry eye treatment ideas.

Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org
Lasik Patient Advocacy & Surgeon Certification

I am not a doctor.