Ghosting

[Dena754]

I had PRK on both eyes 06/11/2009.  It has been two weeks and as soon as they took off my contact lens, my right eye cleared up within 2 days.  I could see crisp, clear, perfect.  I wish I could say the same for my left eye.  As soon as the surgery was finished, my eyes were not matching.  My left eye has always been worse than my right.  I have always needed a stronger prescription for it.  My beginning prescription was -6.75 L  -6.25 R.  Since they took the contact off my left eye has remained quite blurry. Three days ago I noticed a little clarity, and thats when I noticed I see two images.  I see the main image slightly blurry, then above and to the left I see a more ghosting image.  It does not matter what I look at everything is that way.  The strange thing is that whether I look directly at an object or not the ghosting image does not move with my eye.  It stays the same whether its in my peripherial or center of my vision.  I can even directly stare at the ghosting image.  I tried the astigmatism test and the ghosting goes away.  I can actually put a finger up by my nose near my pupil and the second image disappears.  I was told by a nurse that this is normal and I shouldn't worry until at least 30 days.  My question is what could be causing the double image?  I read that it can be caused by edema, but what is done about that?  Is there a test I can perform that will let me know it this is an undercorrected astigmatism?  Does looking through a whole guarantee that the problem is astigmatism or will you have the same results during PRK healing time?  I just am interested in knowing a little more.  Can they touch-up an eye to get rid of ghosting?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Yes additional treatments (Called enhancements) can often take care of that if it continues to be a problem.

JCHJ MD

[Dena754]

Is this a normal part of PRK healing?  If it is then why did I not experience it with the other eye?  How long would I have to wait until they would enhance it?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

It is the part of healing for SOME people. Each surgery is a separate event just like each birth delivery is not an exact copy for women. Ask your surgeon.

JCH MD

[Dena754]

Not to bother you again, but I was just wondering if it is astigmatism, then wouldn't the ghosting move when I look away from the object?  I can look away from bright numbers, but the ghost doesn't move and I can even look directly at the copy, could that be a sign of corneal swelling?  I just thought that if I had an astigmatism it would move with my eye....

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

No astigmatism especially post surgical irregular astigmatism could cause your symptoms
JCH MD

[Dena1985]

This is Dena754 again.  Is there a test they can do to see if it is swelling or post surgical astigmatism?  They said not to worry about it until at least a month post op, could the surface smooth itself out more or something?  I have called and asked the nurse and she said that when you change the surface of the cornea then you can see ghosting until it is healed.  So could they tell now if it is a left over astigmatism or would I have to wait for months to find out I have to have an enhancement?  It probably wouldnt bother me so much if the initial image was clear, but its blurry, so my eyes do not even match and I am looking out of one eye.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

I think your best bet is to call the surgeon's office, relay your concerns and ask if you can come in for an extra exam by the surgeon. That is the only way I think you can be reassured. Most surgeons are use to this and are happy to accommodate your.

JCH MD