Still cannot see far away after LASIK surgery. Should I go somewhere else for a second opinion?

Question

I had Lasik surgery in December of last year (10months). I had it for both eyes (nearsighted, cannot see far away). I have went to my check-ups and they keep saying I see 20/20 and to use drops and "give it time, it should improve". I guess I should note that all things considered I could barely see my hand in front of my face before, but I still cannot see/read road signs more than 15ft away! Should I go somewhere else for a second opinion? or ask for a different type of exam?

Dean Dornic, MD · Answer

There are many reasons why a patient may trouble reading distant signs.  Dry eyes may be one reason.  There may also be a small refractive error (such as astigmatism).  Ask why you are having trouble.  Try to stay open and positive. Are there other measures needed to improve your dry eyes? Would a low powered eyeglass prescription help you to read signs when you are traveling in unfamiliar areas?  This might be a reasonable solution and, in some cases, preferable to an enhancement procedure when your result is close to, but not quite, "perfect".  If you are not satisfied with the answers to these questions then, of course, there is nothing wrong with a second opinion.

Samir Melki, MD, PhD · Answer

I would recommend going in for a second opinion. It would be better to find out if you would be a good candidate for an enhancement to your procedure, or to at least find out other options. Enhancement is sometimes needed following the original surgery, so it would be best to talk to either your doctor, or ask a new practice.

Mazin Yaldo, MD · Answer

At this point your vision should be stable from your LASIK surgery. Some patients may see 20/20 on the eye chart but the quality of the vision may not be acceptable. Dryness is certainly one possible reason this could happen, but there are others, such as mild residual refractive error, residual high order aberrations, and rare problems in other parts of the eye unrelated to surgery. If you are concerned, there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking an outside second opinion.

William Ellis, MD, FACS · Answer

You may now  be overcorrected and farsighted. Give it 4 months before getting a second opinion.

Still cannot see far away after LASIK surgery. Should I go somewhere else for a second opinion?

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Answer: Lasik

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Still cannot see far away after LASIK surgery. Should I go somewhere else for a second opinion?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lasik

Answer: Lasik

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Everything you need to know about LASIK

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