Lasik Worries

Hi
I had LASIK in Nov. 2006 so far my eyes are ok, they said my corneas healed fine and I can see 20/20.I still have dry eye when I am at work and starbursts from oncoming headlights at night. I am just worried because there is no "long term" data for LASIK that it might cause problems in the future like blindness. Please ease my worries and tell me that LASIK doesn't cause you to go blind or make your vision much worse in the future.
Also, does the cornea ever REALLY heal? I'm afraid to even rub my eyes, I've heard that the flap can be lifted years after LASIK was done!

[Roy S Rubinfeld, MD]

Therer are now 14, 11 and 10 year studies on laser vision correction and no evidence you will go blind or lose vision. I had my laser in 1995 and still see better than 20/20. Your flap now well healed and simple eye rubbing should not damage your eyes but one should always protect your eyes from trauma.      -RSR, MD

[mahavir]

Dear sir

I have myopia of -4.00 in both eyes.
I have a small retinal hole in my one eye.
Can i go for lasik laser for vision correction?
Should  there any other teatment be done before lasik?

Please guide me.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If there is no family history of retinal detachment and the hole you have is small, round and without evidence of vitreous traction or fluid around it MOST refractive surgery would do lasik.

If there is a family hisory of RD, multiple holes, vitreous traction, fluid around the hole then prior to lasik the ophthalmologist might elect to close the hole with either laser photocoagulation or cryopexy (freezing it shut).

In either case it should not stop you from having lasik.

JCH III MD