Laser surgery after scleral buckle

[Dobri]

Hello,  

I have had a scleral buckle surgery and currently my operated eye is quite shortsighted. My optician told me that full optical correction with glasses is not possible because the difference in the dioptres between the two eyes is big. I would like to have a laser surgery to correct the shortsightness so that I use the operated eye more actively. However, my surgeon told me that he does not recommend a laser surgery. In his opinion, a laser surgery may hinder subsequent operations on the retina if need arises.

Is this really the case? What is the latest research/experience in this respect?

Thanks very much.


Thanks very much.

[Dobri]

Thanks. I did try to wear lenses a couple of years ago(>10) but I have experienced some allergy infections later. I am willing to try again, I know that there are better choice of contacts nowadays. Currently, the difference in the dioptres between the eyes is around 4.5. I was told that with lenses almost full correction of shortsightness will be possible. Is that feasible? Thanks.

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

In the short run when your refraction stabilizes, a refractive procedure might work fine.
There could be, however, a refractive edge where the procedure is done that could distort the retinal view which could be a frustrating situation for your retinal surgeon.

I think the answer is in the details. How likely is it that you would ever need a retinal procedure? Might PRK be better than Lasik to avoid flap problems?

Your retinal doctor and potential Lasik surgeon should communicate for a best end result. Did you consider a contact lens?

[berrywoo]

It is important to take care of any retinal problems first.
After your eye has finished healing from the surgery and there are no other retinal problems. Keep in mind that the vision will continue to change for several months after buckling. Then you can go and get a full Lasik evaluation to see if you qualify.
There have been studies done on patients who've received lasik, post-scleral buckling to study its effects. Most ended up w/ good results.