Hi, my name is Gary and 4 years ago when I was 46 years old I was diagnosed with a very small cataract in my left eye. Although small it was affecting my vision, so it was removed and the lens replaced. Two months later my retina detached and had a tear. It took 4 retinopexies and three months to get it to stay put. (NO FUN) I am now 20/40 in my left eye and need a -8 in my right eye. The problem is my eyes seem to no longer want to tolerate contacts and I do not want to do anything that might cause another detatchment. Such as the suction ring used in lasik. Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Before you consider ANY elective surgery on your eyes you need to visit your vitreoretinal specialist for a complete evaluation. It may be that a surface ablation technique like PRK or LASEK is appropriate, but anyone with a history of retinal detachment needs this evaluation.

Lasik, IntraLasik, and Epi-Lasik all use a microkeratome affixed to the eye with a suction ring. These techniques are probably best avoided, however your high myopia puts you at a somewhat higher risk for corneal haze. If your vitreoretinal specialist gives you the okay for refractive surgery, then discuss with your refractive surgery the methods that would reduce your risk of developing corneal haze.

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

I am not a doctor.