I had RK in 1992 when my vision was 20/500, 20/550. After RK, I was 20/15, 20/20. Flash forward to 2001, and I started noticing that my left eye (20/15), which had been great for distance, was weaker than my right eye and needed more light to see clearly. It has steadily gotten worse. I was diagnosed a year ago with cataracts in both eyes, also glaucoma, though no damage yet from glaucoma. The left eye is very blurry.
Come to find out that there are problems in getting the correct lens correction in people who have had RK or laser corrected vision. It is something I wish I had known before. I am now (ahem) 57 and desperately wish for my vision to be corrected, but it is not going to be easy. I've been doing research to find the BEST (read: doc who has had the highest success rate) to do my eyes. There isn't a lot that I have found online, but have found some information.
Another problem with having had surgery on the eye is terribly dry eyes. Using drops, like Thera-tears, helps and it does clear the vision somewhat. I strongly suggest you use drops.
Anyone needing the information I have found can email me and I'll send you links to what I have found. An opthamologist in Texas did publish a paper on the methods of correcting vision post-enhancement surgery and was kind enough to recommend the Casey Eye Clinic here in Portland to me.
Much like the owl, having the pupils so dilated made for great night vision when I was nearsighted. I miss that.
Thank you for your informative post. I do indeed suffer from terrible dry eyes...it has made my eyes delicate and the slightest blow will tear the cornea! Has happened twice. I use extra strength Refresh Liquigel. Especially in the morning when I can barely blink, my eyes are so dry, but also periodically throughout the day. (I had my RK in the very early 80s! Done with a diamond point scalpel!)
I'm 42 and the ophthamologist I saw when I hurt my cornea said my eyes were the driest he's ever seen and suggested "plugging" my tear ducts! I think I want to stay with the drops for now, but sometimes in the morning I wonder if the plugs might actually help...it's miserable.
He related the dry eyes to my age.
I would appreciate the information...check your freepmail for my email address.