| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| anonymous |
Posted - 21 March 2002 : 07:34:49
I had LASIK with a VISX-3 and an Innovatome keratome. When I had the LASIK procedure in January, the keratome caused severe pain (which seemed to surprise the MD and assistants), although the actual laser procedure was pain free. It felt like a finger-nail file across my eye. Anyway, I was told that this was a 1 in 400 occurence for unknown reasons. Anyone have any other ideas about the pain from the Keratome?
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| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| anonymous |
Posted - 22 March 2002 : 11:51:37
Again, thanks for your responses. A legitimate, independent source of information is reassuring. |
| Dr. Q |
Posted - 21 March 2002 : 09:36:01
There is no doubt that an occasional patient feels pain during the microkeratome pass. I have not documented the exact percentage in my practice, but the 1 in 400 number sounds reasonable to me.
There are basically two potential causes for the pain.
1. During operation, the keratome instrument creates a vacuum effect that holds the instrument to the eye. This raises the pressure within the eye and since the pressure is temporarily higher than the blood pressure, the vision grows dim due to slowed blood flow. I believe that this pressure is the most common cause of pain. Those rare individuals who have pain with LASIK are, for whatever reason, more sensitive to this pressure than others.
2. The other potential cause for pain would be the actual blade crossing the cornea to make the flap. The drops that numb the eye are extremely effective against this source of pain, and I find it unlikely that this is a common reason for pain during LASIK.
I have no reason to believe that pain or the absence of pain during surgery contributes at all to the final visual outcome with respect to the circumstances discussed above.
Also, while I wish your experience would have been more comfortable, I do think it is important to let the readers know that pain during the procedure is quite uncommon.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Q
For LASIK in Arizona, visit http://www.halevision.com |
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