Help me decide....

[alpha642]

I am a 59 year old female diabetic. I suffer from RCE's, am very nearsighted with astigmatism (L -6.50 and R -4.50) and have meibomian gland issues.

PRK has been recommended to me to fix my corneas and as a side benefit to go ahead and fix my vision.

I've had the Shirmer Test and all's okay -- I live every night with Muro 128 Ointment and hope I won't have a morning RCE.

Should I do this PRK procedure? I'm so "on the fence" about it, I really don't know which way to turn.

[Aaron77]

Not really so sure about PRK surgery but know that there are some on here that have experience and knowledge in that area. I just want to say that after having my life destroyed by lasik eye surgery I would suggest that you only let an opthamologist touch your eyes if it is absolutely medically necessary (for things such as cataracts for example) - since my surgery I've heard many many horror stories about bad results from lasik and prk. I really think that if contacts and glasses are working for your vision right now continue to use them over any eye surgery. Can PRK really be good for RCE's? I would think that it would only do more damage then good.

[sanna]

You have dry eyes and you are diabetic ? What doctor thinks PRK is a good ide` ? and why ? I do not know much about RCE but i think you should look for another doctor for a second opinion.

[liz56]

Hi, Alpha642.

I am also a sufferer of RCEs, and I have avoided surgery, but I wanted to direct you to a thread on another board where patients discuss PTK and PRK for this problem to help you make a better decision:

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/s...&highlight=rce

Of course, the thread is not a conversation among doctors and is all anecdotal and not scientific.

Best wishes,
Liz

[alpha642]

Not really so sure about PRK surgery but know that there are some on here that have experience and knowledge in that area. I just want to say that after having my life destroyed by lasik eye surgery I would suggest that you only let an opthamologist touch your eyes if it is absolutely medically necessary (for things such as cataracts for example) - since my surgery I've heard many many horror stories about bad results from lasik and prk. I really think that if contacts and glasses are working for your vision right now continue to use them over any eye surgery. Can PRK really be good for RCE's? I would think that it would only do more damage then good.

Thank you for responding. I've been to two nationally known ophthalmologists -- and they are both recommending ASA or "resurfacing" of the corneas. I have never worn contacts but the RCE's really drive me crazy. I do have the beginnings of cataracts -- so eventually will have to have those done anyway. This is a very hard decision.

[alpha642]

Hi, Alpha642.

I am also a sufferer of RCEs, and I have avoided surgery, but I wanted to direct you to a thread on another board where patients discuss PTK and PRK for this problem to help you make a better decision:

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/s...&highlight=rce

Of course, the thread is not a conversation among doctors and is all anecdotal and not scientific.

Best wishes,
Liz

Thank you -- I will check it out.