I had lasik in 2001 and an enhancement in 2002. Just recently I noticed an opaque spot on my cornea (outside of the pupil area). The doctor just told me that it was ingrowth. I got a copy of my records from the Lasik surgery and found some notes referencing peripheral fibrosis...before the enhancement the note stated it was fully stabilized. Now, my vision is being affected, possibly due to the ingrowth which I guess is causing distortion. Before I have any treatment, does anyone have any recommendations for a doctor in the Northern Va. area? I live close to Fredericksburg, VA. Also, it seems most others who had ingrowth problems had them earlier on...does it seem unusual to have it this far out? Thanks.

You are right; one would not expect ingrowth this late since the flap edge should be well-sealed at this point.

The key here is the differential diagnosis. An ingrowth suggests a flap lift and yet lifting the flap 4+ years out entails risk of further ingrowth. An anterior dystrophy could be coincident to the LASIK and affect your vision. I suggest you get another opinion from an experienced corneal specialist.

Thanks, will do this (get another opinion) and let you know. The more I think about it the more the dystrophy possibility makes sense.

I had a second opinion today and the diagnosis is still epithelial ingrowth. I questioned whether this was some kind of dystrophy or something else perhaps above the flap, but the doctor said that even though it is so far out from my surgery date, the cloudy spot definitely has the appearance consistent with ingrowth and said that it actually starts close to the edge of the flap, so he felt it could have migrated from there and grown inward. He advised that it should be treated within the month. So I now just need to determine the best doctor to treat it. I'm open to recommendations. Thanks.

psf,

I called one of my resource docs to ask his help in finding you a corneal specialist in your region. He's been good about getting back to me quickly.

He commented that the appearance of epithelial ingrowth at this stage is not exactly "rare," although it's not common, either. Treatment modalities include relifting the flap and removing the debris, and in some cases, stitching the flap down.

He suggested that you've probably had the ingrowth and it's only now reached a point where it's impairing your vision, which would mean very slow growth after 4+ years. There should be no reason to rush into treatment. He recommended that you see a top notch corneal specialist, rather than just a refractive surgeon. Soon as I have something for you, I'll email you.

Thanks! I'll keep checking my e-mail for the info.