I had worn contacts and glasses since childhood, so I was hopeful that at 40+ years old, through the 'miracle of LASIK,' I could once and for all say goodbye to them and my near-sightedness. My pre-op LASIK doctor never spoke with me about the risks or the rates of complications, and I dismissed the very little negative press the Lasik procedure was getting, convinced that the surgery was now mature and state of the art, and that I was in good and talented hands. I had Lasik performed on my eyes in February 2002. This was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made in my life.

After a couple of days post surgery, when one would expect to have the perfect clear vision the LASIK doctors claim, I was less than impressed with the results. There was quite a bit of haze and blurriness in my vision, and nothing looked particularly clear. The doctor who performed the surgery said that would clear up in a couple of weeks. It never did.

Within a year, I was developing intense dry eye, cloudy vision, headaches, and depression. Performing my job in front of a computer for 8-10 hours a day was pure misery and I worried about the future of my career. Over the next couple of years. I saw several different doctors attempting to find relief -- but none of them offered me any lasting help. One doctor diagnosed me with Blepharitis and prescribed Doxycycline and Tobradex. There was a very slight increase in eye comfort and vision clarity, but it not enough to make much difference, and dissipated when I went off those drugs. Punctal plugs made the blurriness worse. I was prescribed Restasis which might have increased tear production, but didn't help my vision at all. "Enhancements" were suggested, but I knew better than to let anyone laser my eyes again. After a while, I became convinced that none of these doctors really had any idea what I was seeing through my eyes, and had no idea how to help.

Then, one day I started Googling and discovered the stories of other Lasik casualties, and started experimenting with their suggestions. I tried several different brands of artificial tears that were available, nutritional supplements, humidifiers, lid scrub techniques, etc. You name it, I tried it. Some things eased the discomfort slightly (particularly drinking enormous amounts of water, the lid scrubs, EFA's and Flax Oil), but nothing helped very much in terms of vision. The discomfort and depression worsened. I hated getting up in the morning, and my evening social life was almost non-existent because I couldn't see well enough to drive at night. All I wanted to do was lay down and close my eyes.

Luckily, one day I found a discussion about people who had success with doctors who were experienced RGP fitters. I contacted a few folks, and wound up conversing with Dr. Ken Maller via email. This marked the beginning of the end of my suffering.

I was amazed right from the beginning as to Dr. Maller's willingness to email with me (someone he did not know) and answer all my questions (in detail) about the treatment he offers. I never had to wait more than 24 hours for an informative and supportive reply from him. I wasn't convinced yet that I'd finally be able to correct my vision, but Dr. Maller did convince me that he knew exactly what I was seeing through my eyes. I made an appointment and scheduled a trip to Fort Lauderdale. I had to have a friend take the trip with me, because my vision by this time was so bad that I was afraid to drive in an unfamiliar town.

Dr. Maller spent a great deal of time examining my eyes, explaining what he does, and what I might expect - all while be very supportive and understanding of my problem. The lenses he designed arrived a couple of days later, and they were a near perfect fit. I COULD SEE 20/15 on the eye chart. The characters practically jumped out at me. This was after struggling and blinking and squinting to see a very hazy 20/40 the day I came in the office. Dr. Maller said to me - "come outside with me into the daylight and see how that looks." It was a whole new world -- bright and clear. I could read the street signs far down the road clear as can be. I could see the detail and expressions on people's faces again. I could again tell if they were looking AT me or near me. The only issue was that my near vision wasn't very clear, and I'd need reading glasses. But Dr. Maller explained that I might be able to be fitted for Multifocal lenses on my first follow-up visit.

A month later, I returned to Fort Lauderdale (with the confidence to take the trip alone!), and Dr. Maller explained that the fit of the lenses on my eyes was great, and that he'd order the Multifocals right away for me. They arrived a few days later, and they are fantastic. Now I can read, see my computer screen clearly, drive anywhere I wish at any time of day, and I can enjoy the high definition TV I purchased last year for the first time (so that's what they're all talking about!). I enjoy being able to identify friends across a crowded room again.

I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll probably always have chronic dry eye and tear film issues as a result of my laser surgery, and will have to be diligent about keeping that in check. Nutrition, lid scrubs, artificial tears, etc. But life is normal again. I couldn't be happier.

Thank you Dr. Maller!
Peter Seymour
New Jersey

 

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