LASEK and Astigmatism questions
Steve P writes:
I’m considering LASIK/LASEK. I’m 47, general good health, wearing contacts that are -6.5 (L) and -7.5 (R) with a small amount of astigmatism.
Dr. Chynn replies:
this is an average Rx, the same as mine before my surgery 10 yrs ago, and I also had astigmatism, so don’t worry
The one complication is that I had a partially torn/detached retina about 10 years ago and had a scleral buckle put in my right eye. Vision is fine and has been rock-stable for at least 4-5 years. (Pre-tear, the vision in my right eye was about the same as it is now.)
This is no problem - I have lasered dozens of people w scleral buckles, actually that often makes the eye more nearsighted which is a reason to get lasered. We will have our fellow Dr Puri see you. She did a retinal fellowship. We will also send you to a retinal surgeon who takes your insurance if you need any further retinal work before we laser you, but probably not.
We do the NONCUTTING PROCEDURE WITHOUT ANY SUCTION OF YOUR EYEBALL WHICH IS THE ONLY SAFE THING FOR AFTER A BUCKLE. Do NOT have LASIK, as this makes the pressure very high in your eye which may not be safe for a buckle, you need a LASEK not an epiLASEK for this same reason.
I was wondering how much of a wait there is to schedule a consult (and to have the procedure done if I’m a candidate), and also if you accept Blue Cross (PPO) insurance.
Please call, we can usually get you in for your free consult in a week or so, and i am a BCBS provider!
Emil William Chynn, MD FACS MBA
