Fredericksburg Doctors

Do You Recommend ICL or PRK For Thin Corneas?

I am 28, have a prescription of -3.0 (right) and -2.0 (left) and a central corneal thickness of 470 in both eyes which I understand too thin for Lasik. I have been to two separate eye clinics and one advises PRK and one ICL. The surgeon recommending ICL says they believe my corneas are too thin even for PRK and that ICL would be much safer. ICL does sound like the more pleasant option but is twice the price! Any advice?

There is no question that you are better off with PRK.  Both are great procedures, but ICL is a bit aggressive for your low RX.  Many studies show that the stability of PRK over many years may even exceed that of LASIK.  It is a fantastic procedure when done properly and the healing isn't nearly as bad as some may tell you. It really does depend on your pre and post op care, and the skill and care of your surgical team/surgeon.  Choose that carefully and you will do great! 

Andrew E. Holzman, MD

Mclean Ophthalmologist

Can You Schedule a Lasik Consult and then the Procedure the Following Day?

I was just wondering if it was possible to schedule a consultation one day and then the following day have the procedure done? I am driving about two hundred miles to have this procedure and it would be a great help if I didn't have to complete the drive two weeks in a row. The facility I am going to suggested a consult this week and then surgery the following week. Thanks in advance!

Yes, you can do this, but many centers like to make sure you are a good candidate prior to setting you up for surgery appointments.  Also, there are many times when we notice things on your eye exam which require some treatment prior to surgery.  Some examples of this are dry eyes, lid crusting, corneal inflammation, contact lens warpage...   So, it is frequently recommended to have an exam for candidacy and then discuss surgical scheduling once you know you are a great candidate.  good luck! 

Andrew E. Holzman, MD

Mclean Ophthalmologist

Will Pregnancy Change my Lasik Result?

Im 30 and have a consult for Lasik. My vision is -1.0 AND -2.25. if I get pregnant again (I have a 4 1/2 year old) is there a possibility it will ruin my results? I heard pregnancy can change your vision. Im not planning on any more children soon. Second question is usually with my slight prescription is the newer Custom LASIK, Custom PRK or Custom All-Laser LASIK a good choice or would regular lasiks most likely be enough? Thank you in advanced for your answers :)

Pregnancy can be associated with minor shifts in vision, which are usually temporary and revert back to previous measurements post-pregnancy.  It is small usually, but because of this, we do not like operating on patients who are either pregnant or are breast feeding.  The general rule of thumb is that it is ok to do the surgery 2 months after pregnancy or the end of breast feeding.   It is fine to have LASIK and then get pregnant, that is not a concern at all.     Concerning Custom vs. traditional LASIK, I reccomend that all patients have Custom technology.  It really is much better and helps to diminish the old issues that LASIK patients had years ago concerning night time glare and halos.   In a similar sense, would you buy at TV today that didn't utilize HD technology?  You only get one pair of eyes, so my opinion is to use the very best technology possible in order to optimize your sight.  Best of luck...

Andrew E. Holzman, MD

Mclean Ophthalmologist