Kirkland Ophthalmologists

Can I Stil Get Lasik if I've Abused Contact Lens Wear in the Past? I admit that I am a contact lens abuser. For many years I have slept in them and my doctor has told me my eyes have been deprived of oxygen and I now have ghost vessels. Am I still a candidate for lasik even though I have ghost vessels? I still sleep in my contacts but now replace them more frequently (every month).

If you are a contact lens wearer who sleeps in them at night time, often the cornea becomes oxygen deprived.  The cornea normally does not have any blood vessels which allows it to be more translucent and clear.  As time goes on with an oxygen deprived state, new abnormal blood vessels form and we call this "pannus."  If the blood vessels are not used after awhile, because the oxygen improves we call the vessels "ghost vessels." 

Lasik surgery involves cutting a flap on the cornea.  We do not want cells of any kind to be caught under the flap because this can cause additional inflammation and certain cells can cause epithelial downgrowth.  These problems in their most severe form can cause visually significant issues.  If you have significant blood vessel formation I would most likely advise you have PRK rather than LASIK.  PRK does not involve a flap and many of the complications with pannus and ghost vessels can be avoided.  The recovery time is longer, but in your case a safer procedure. 

Jennifer J. Lee, MD

Seattle Ophthalmologist

Correcting Astigmatism with Intralase with Lasik?

I am going to be getting the Intralase with wave-guided Lasik with the Visx Star4 laser. The astigmatism is at a cylinder 3.75 and 2.75 in the other my SPH numbers are moderate at 3.25 and 3.50. My glasses prescription has been stable for about 6 years. Should I be concerned that the surgeon will be able to correct the astigmatism?

The amount of astigmatism that you have currently should not be an issue with the VISX laser as it is now FDA approved for up to 5 diopters of astigmatism. Your surgeon will mark your eye carefully and you should be able to have a good refractive result. With either the intralase laser or PRK the shape of your cornea should not cause an issue.

Most likely they will be doing wavefront measurements and any higher order aberrations will also be fixed during your corrective procedure.

Jennifer J. Lee, MD

Seattle Ophthalmologist

Lasik for $299: is This a Scam?

One lasik clinic quoted me $2,000 an eye.  Another advertises only $299. Is the expensive clinic trying to rip me off?  They told me to watch out from something called the "Nidek" brand machines

The American Academy of Ophthalmology tries to monitor advertisements and claims made advertisements in an attempt to make decision making easier for patients. Many of the advertisements for 299 lasik surgery have many exceptions to the price quoted and there are often add on charges that most other practices include as part of the fee charged. It is important to do adequate research regarding the practice, the physician, and the fee schedule before undergoing any operation.

Just as a point of reference, the laser cards that we need to buy to put into the laser per patient is more that $299.00. If you chose a laser center that offers you the $299 price, make sure you are not in a "bait and switch" situation where you end up with a much larger bill. Lasik surgery has excellent outcomes, but the outcomes are very much determined by the preoperative screening, the intraoperative skill of the surgeon, and the post operative care. I know that your vision is important to you. Make your decisions based upon the quality of care you will receive.

Jennifer J. Lee, MD

Seattle Ophthalmologist