Last century I had RK on both eyes to correct myopia. Boucou incisions were made on the left eye (16 including crosscuts). I am in need of a cataract procedure on the left eye. Through specialized consultation I have been told that one option is the new Light Adjustable Lens. Not covered by my plan and would involve me going several thousand in debt. I was advised a second option is the standard lens procedure, waiting for a time, and then correcting with photorefractive keratectomy. Optimally the result would be reading glasses only. My question is about PRK on top of earlier radial keratotomy: high risk? severe side effects? I was told my cornea is in good shape and the scaring is stable. During my consult there was a bit of marketing vis a vis the light adjustable lens. I would appreciate any insight on the PRK option. I sense there is a range of views on this.
No personal experience. The issue with RK is that it (the scaring) makes the topography of the cornea difficult to measure accurately, which in turn makes it hard to get a precise power correction. The advantage of the LAL is that it gives the surgeon a second chance at getting the power right, if they do not select the right power the first time around. Others here have had experience with the LAL. It is new and not available in our area, at least not yet.
Hi there! I had PRK in one eye in the 90’s to correct extreme nearsightedness. My cornea didn’t heal evenly and as a result my cornea “warped” and I wound up having to wear rigid contacts to correct it since soft contacts just “laid” over the wavy cornea. So I would definitely ask about that scenario before you would get PRK. Maybe I was more the exception than the norm but I was not happy with the result from the PRK.
However, I had a cataract in that eye in 2016 (I was age 50 at the time) and found a surgeon who was experienced in measuring the correction necessary after previous refractive surgery. If you happen to be in the Dallas area, I can pass on his name! But do your homework to find a doc who has had experience with this.I am very happy with the result now