Vision After LASEK Enhancement

Dave Allamby | Jul 21, 2010 | Comments 0

Trudi asked

Hello Dave,
I had my eyes lasered in Dec 2009. My prescription was SPH -4.50 & -5.00. My left eye (which had the worst prescription) is perfect! I have had enhancement surgery on my right though as a slight astigmatism remained. I had enhancement surgery (using the LASEK method this time round) 4 wks ago and the vision is not yet as good as it was after the first surgery, before the enhancement. I am beginning to think I should have lived with the result I had after the first surgery and been grateful. Do you think my eye will heal to at least what it was after the first surgery?

Also, I have regular post-op check-ups with various different opticians (dependant on who’s in on the day of my app) and each tells a different story about healing and drops. I have been told that keeping the eyes wet with blink drops is *very important* to aid healing. I have also been told by another optician that I only need to put drops in when my eye feels dry. What is your view?
Thanks.

Trudi, for the lubrication, I would recommend regular instillation rather than just when they feel dry. The nerves are lasered during the treatment and see the eye is somewhat insensitive for a while, so you may not be aware of some dryness and so not lubricate. Aim for 4-6 times a day over the next couple of months. I prefer the preservative free version (you can buy e.g. Blink or Refresh over the counter at Boots) which will be less irritant with regular usage over an extended period. These are the ones in individual droppers. One vial should last you a day, one drop in each eye every 3-4 hours.

For surface laser correction (PRK/LASEK) the full result can take months to fully settle and the vision is often a bit off at 4 weeks post-op. You should find it will settle more over the next 4-8 weeks.

Filed Under: PRK • Questions

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About the Author: Mr. Dave Allamby FRCS FRCOphth is a leading London-based laser eye surgeon. You may have seen him on the This Morning TV show with Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton or read one of several articles in the national press, recently for treating Denise Van Outen, rock giant Rick Wakeman and broadcaster Paul Ross. David is Medical Director at Focus Laser Vision, known as a world-leading clinic in the treatment of presbyopia, or age related loss of close vision. Focus Laser Vision is also London's only clinic to offer next-generation Z-LASIK laser eye treatment for short sight, long sight or astigmatism.

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