What you describe is called striae. There are two types of striae,
macro-striae is large folds in the Lasik flap similar to the comforter
on your bed being rumpled. Micro-striae are crinkles in the Bowman's
layer within the Lasik flap. This is somewhat like the bed sheets
being bunched up underneath the comforter.
If your striae was caused by pressure on your eye, then it is most
likely macro-striae. The fact that the striae does not interfere with
your vision quality would also be consistent with macro-striae because
they tend to originate at the edge of the Lasik flap hinge and radiate
outward. This would be at the outer edge of the cornea. If your pupils
do not expand to this area of your cornea, then the light passing
through the wrinkles never enters the eye to be seen.
As a general rule, macro-striae should be resolve earlier rather than
later. The doctor will numb your eye, lift the Lasik flap, flush the
area with a balanced salt solution, reposition the flap, and smooth
down the wrinkles.
The flap can be surgically lifted years after Lasik, however the
macro-striae may become permanent if not resolved.
If the wrinkles are not causing vision problems, are not progressing,
and are not contributing to any other issues, it may be recommended to
do nothing. You will need to consider your surgeon's advice on this.
You may want to read an article about Lasik flap wrinkles at:
http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-striae.htm
If you follow this Google search you will find several postings on the
USAEyes bulletin board from others who have had flap wrinkles.
http://tinyurl.com/4tp2hs
Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes (R)
Patient Advocacy Surgeon Certification
"Consider and Choose With Confidence" (TM)
Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org
http://www.USAEyes.org
Lasik Bulletin Board
http://www.USAEyes.org/Ask-Lasik-Expert/
I am not a doctor.
Copyright 2008
All Rights Reserved