LASIK slow healing

[aprilfoolery]

I have had complication from LASIK surgery performed on 12/8/2010, subsequent to cataract surgery in August. During the surgery on the right eye, the doctor announced "I am not getting a flap; I'll proceed to PRK." This eye has healed successfully with 20/20 vision. LASIK was then completed on the left eye. From the moment the surgery began, I felt pain in my eye...as if the speculum was stretching and pressing on the surrounding tissue. The following two days, my eyeball was red and there was considerable swelling.   A contact bandage was applied, most recently removed 12/29. My vision is 20/100 in this eye, very blurry. I am unable to drive at night. In frequent follow-up visits, the doctor assures me that it will get better...that the epithelial cells are still healing. I am following all protocols advised by the doctor, but now am very discouraged. The unbalanced vision is very tiring and I am having a difficult time at work, seeing the computer monitor and preparing written reports. How unusual is this reaction to surgery? Could age be a factor in the healing process?

[aprilfoolery]

Thank you so very much for your response, Dr. Hagan.

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

Age is not a factor. If you do not see any improvement by Monday see your surgeon, ask for an explanation. Ask for a second opinion if you are not mollified.

JCH MD