In March 2006 I received CustomView Wavefront surgery. I researched my Lasik doctor for months, and finally decided on a local doctor who was rated one of the "Best Doctor's in America". I wanted the surgery for years, and it seemed like a perfect time because I was graduating college in just a few months.

Unfortunately, I have been plagued with problems after my Lasik surgery. Right after the surgery my vision was great, 20/15 in both eyes. I could not even tell my right eye had been operated on, but my left eye had minor discomfort from dryness. Also of note, my left eye had a large blood shot spot in the corner next to my nose. My doctor assured me this was normal.

Now I'm 9 months post-op, and I have constant discomfort in my left eye. Also, nightime halos have increased. I beleive the problem is dryness. I have received punctual plugs in both sides of the left eye, been placed on Restasis, and use Genteal, Refresh Liquid Gel, and Refersh PM eye drops at night. I still have noticeable discomfort in my left eye. This conditon has become almost a handicap. I am experiencing severe depression from the outcome of the surgery. I'm a 23 year old college educated male, and I can't search for a job because of the horrible side effects.

At this point I'm looking for any treatment avaliable to stop the discomfort in my left eye. Cost is not an issue. I also need to find a new doctor, because at my most recent post-op appointment my doctor said there was nothing else he can do. My Lasik surgery was videotaped, so this may be of help to my future doctor. I have even considered the Boston Sceral Lens, but not sure if this is appropriate for me or would help with the discomfort. I am new to this forum, I would appreciate any and all suggestions for my next course of action.

I also wanted to note that my Lasik was done with the Intralase procedure. Now that I think of it, I was informed I had astigmatism in my left eye when I was still wearing contact lens. At my appointment my doctor said this wouldn't be any problem at all. This really struck with me when you mentioned this. Could the astigmatism be the cause of the discomfort? Why didn't the doctor notice this?

Dauntless,

As we discussed on the phone earlier today, we'll arrange a very capable second opinion.

Dear Dauntless: I had surgery just like you, little less than a year ago... I went to the best doctor availabe in my country to later find out he made a little mistake... my eyes were to dry at the time: the tear film is supposed to stay for a period of 10 seconds or so when you blink and mine didn't stay for more than one second and he considered me as a good canditate anyways. Besides my pupils are too big so everything (even the moon) is a star... I am surrounded by stars and halos everywhere. That should give you an idea of what I've been thorugh in the past months...it has been a living nightmare. I write to you because I went through severe deppresion as you are right now, I lost about 14 pounds in less than 3 months (and I was already thin so imagine how I was starting to look), cried all the time and lost the taste of "livig life". I just want to say to you something I learned from this experience: everything in life has a solution, if we are not seeing it at this time we have to keep up the faith because this only is one stone (maybe the biggest one) of many many stones will get in our path of life. As they say, this too shall pass, and I really beleive it... so don't panic, cry if you want, but never give up. I am still fighting against my dry eyes but they seem to be getting better and better with some of the advices I am receiving here, so it is a great thing you found this place... you sure are in good hands now. Keep one last thing in mind: this sure will get better and this sure will make you stronger, and above eveything there is an awesome powerful God that knows what we are going through, so keep up the faith.

Dauntless,

Please check your email for contact information for a second op surgeon.