Do you have vision problems after having LASIK or PRK?

Scleral Lenses can answer those problems.

Scleral Lenses rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, and don't come in contact with the cornea.  They are like a dome that vaults over the cornea and they create a smooth and clear surface so that light bends better and focuses on the retina, the back of the eye.  Scleral Lenses also create a space between the back part of the lens and the front of the eye. This “reservoir” often keeps the eye more hydrated (wet) and that solves the symptom of dry eye.

Scleral lenses are about the same size as soft contact lenses.  These lenses can correct irregular astigmatism and other vision problems that occur after LASIK and PRK.  Regular soft lenses usually don’t work because the cornea is often irregular after a refractive procedure such as LASIK or PRK.  Soft contact lenses are designed for a cornea that is shaped uniformly. 

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are common refractive surgeries used to “correct” vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, like any surgery, they can have complications, particularly those related to the cornea. Here are some of the potential corneal problems that can arise after LASIK and PRK:

Dry Eye Syndrome and Corneal Ectasia (bulging of the cornea) are the most common complications of LASIK.  During LASIK, the corneal nerves are cut and that leads to less tear production and ultimately to dry eyes. LASIK, by definition, removes part of the cornea.  Since it is now thinner, it can then bulge outward, leading to distorted vision. This is the reason that most people regress, which means that the individual becomes nearsighted once again.

Other complications are that the cornea becomes hazy and this then makes it more difficult to see.  The flap that is created in LASIK can displace or become wrinkled, especially if there’s trauma to the eye after surgery.  The surgery can cause the cornea to heal irregularly.  This is called Irregular Astigmatism.  This causes blurred or distorted vision that may not be correctable with glasses or standard contact lenses.  Scarring can cause glare, halos, and starbursts.  Cells from the surface of the cornea can grow underneath the flap, causing vision problems and discomfort.