New York LASIK Surgeon Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D.
Coauthors Flap Cutting vs. Lifting Article

Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D. is a Corneal Specialist and LASIK Surgeon in New York at Laser and Corneal Surgery Associates in Manhattan. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the fields of corneal and refractive surgery including LASIK and Corneal Transplantation through his efforts in patient care, research and ongoing physician education. Dr. Speaker, along with coauthors Drs. Rubenfeld, Hardten, Donnenfeld, Stein, Koch, Frucht-Pery, Kameen and Negevsky published the results of their study ” To Lift or Recut: Changing Trends in LASIK Enhancement” in the December 2003 Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Abstract of Study and Publication

PURPOSE: To report serious complications caused by recutting laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps for enhancement and reconsider the current preferred method of LASIK enhancement.

SETTING: Multiple surgeon practices.

METHODS: This retrospective noncomparative nonconsecutive case series comprised LASIK patients in the private practices of 9 experienced refractive surgeons and those reported in a survey of refractive surgeons. Case histories, refractions, corneal topographies, slitlamp photographs, and measurements of uncorrected and best corrected (BCVA) visual acuity after recutting LASIK flaps were collected. Surveys of refractive surgeons and an analysis of changing practice trends among the authors and these surgeons were assessed.

RESULTS: In 12 cases, significant loss of BCVA and subjective visual difficulties resulted from recutting LASIK flaps. Most surveyed surgeons had changed their practice from recutting to lifting flaps even 9 to 10 years postoperatively with good results.

CONCLUSION: Recutting flaps for enhancement should be avoided unless other alternatives are unavailable.

About Mark Speaker, M.D., Ph.D.

Mark Speaker, M.D. received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan where he served as the Chief Resident. In addition he completed a Fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Surgery at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. He has served as the Director of the Cornea Service and Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Program at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Cornea Society, the Program Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has received the Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is currently Medical Director of TLC Laser Eye Centers Manhattan. In addition, he is the author of numerous articles and publications in the areas of Corneal Disease, Cornea Transplants, LASIK and Ocular Surface Disease including Dry Eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome.