3D models of Lasik and Lasik over RK corneas

The images below are computer enhanced 3-D models of 2 different corneas that underwent refractive eye surgery. The first image is of an eye that was extremely nearsighted (-17.00 diopters) before undergoing LASIK surgery. Instead of having a smooth rounded curvature to it, this cornea is as flat as a table top. The 2nd 3-D image is of a cornea that underwent both RK (radial keratotomy) surgery followed by LASIK surgery many years later. The center of this cornea is extremely depressed as depicted by the blue area in the center of this image. Both of these corneas are so distorted that eyeglasses and conventional contact lenses are not able to provide these patients with functional vision with these eyes. Both of these eyes were fit with scleral lenses which replace these corneas as an optical surface. In other words, scleral lenses behave like new corneas. I am posting these images to drive home the fact that refractive eye surgeries present many risks to patients including life long vision loss. Once corneal damage takes place there is no surgery that can undo the damage and restore quality vision once again. My comments also apply to any new refractive surgeries that recently received FDA approval.