Post PRK complications

[curiouskc]

On July 29, 2008 I had PRK surgery to correct terrible nearsightedness and a bad astigmatism.From the beginning my eyes were taking longer than expected to heal in order to remove the bandage contacts. I had to return for numerous reattempts. I was using the standard post surgery drops as ordered and then my MD voiced that she was a little concerned about scar tissue and increased the steroid drops to every 2 hours.My ICP began to increase to 24 and 26 so we decreased the drops to every 3 hours. I had an appt today and my pressure has increased to 30 in one eye and 29 in the other. I also have 2+ scar tissue in the left eye and about 1+ in the right.  I have been having episodes were my vision becomes completely hazy and unclear for 30min - hour even with the use of lubricating drops, steroids, etc. I know that some hazing is associated but I could not get a clear answer as to what would be causing this. I noticed it on different occassions when it was humid/hot and after I had been vomiting after an illness. My physician said those weren't related causes but that it may be related to migraines, but I've never had a problem with migraines. Over the past few weeks I've been experiencing dizziness, trouble focusing, seeing sharply objects in front of me, seeing slight darkness or black spots when I change positions and headaches.  I have reported these things to my physician and we attributed it to a sinus infection I had, but after the infection resolved I've continued to have these symptoms and reported it. I was switched from one corticosteriod drop to another and started on drops to decrease pressure. I'm an RN but not an eye specialist. Whether serious or not I just want to know because I haven't been given any straight answers. Also could it take years for the scar tissue to heal? If you have time could you please give me your honest educated opinion about my concerns.I would be extremely grateful.
Thank you and Sincerely desperate for some answers,

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear curiouskc,
I sympathize with your difficulties.  It sounds as if you are experiencing some side effects associated with the healing following PRK and/or antiocular hypertensive medications.  You have a number of issues which need to be addressed, the haze and visual fluctuations following the PRK, high pressure from the corticosteroid eye drops and possibly, side effects of the antiocular hypertensive medications.  
A lot of these symptoms/signs may improve with treatment and the tincture of time.  It is natural for you to be concerned during this time and I would recommend that you continue to see your eyeMD, ask your questions and listen to their answers. Make sure you communicate your questions and concerns to your doctor and get answers to your questions.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[curiouskc]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my concerns.

[curiouskc]

Due to the severity of my astigmatism and nearsightedness after extensive evaluation it was determined that I was not a candidate for Lasik.  My cornea was too thin to make the flap necessary for Lasik surgery. Thanks for your comment

[Winterpeg]

Hi:
Not sure why you, or your Surgeon choose PRK versus Lasik.
Please let us know. I had Lasik almost 13 years ago and still do not wear glasses for distance. Have a great day:

[bad eyes]

I seek an independent second or third opinion, preferably thru a university teaching hospital.

[hsum4]

Dear Winterpeg:

I had some of the same side effects after using cortiosteroids.  These drugs are extremely powerful even in small doses.  They made me sick too and they also thought my symptoms were from a nasal infection.  I think that medication goes into your nose and runs down your throat.  I was using them after cataract operations.  I wish they had a better medication.

hsum4