Journal Review: LASIK for myopia and astigmatism
March 1, 2002 2 minutes read
Journal Review
Sugar A, Rapuano CJ, Culbertson WW, et al. Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and astigmatism: Safety and efficacy — A report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2002; 109:175-187.
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery is safe and effective for low to moderate myopia and astigmatism, but it is less predictable for moderate to high myopia and astigmatism, according to a new report from the San Francisco-based American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Annoying side effects, including dry eyes, night-time starbursts, and reduced contrast sensitivity, occur relatively frequently in LASIK procedures, the report said. Many patients have difficulty driving at night after the surgery, the authors said. Complications involving the LASIK flap have been reported to occur in about 4% of primary LASIK cases, according to the report.
LASIK is an excellent procedure for many, but not all patients, the authors concluded. "The best results are obtained by surgeons who pay attention to checking the microkeratome and laser before surgery and maintain excellent surgical technique," the authors said. They emphasized the importance of good postoperative care. "While most patients require very little intervention by the doctor after surgery, when a question or problem does arise, the doctor needs to be available. Failure to promptly address post-surgical complications can have severe consequences."
The report was based on a review of 47 articles published between 1968 and 2000. The review was conducted by the Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee 2000-2001 Refractive Surgery Panel.
[For more information on LASIK, including concerns about advertising, see, "Your advertising for LASIK can nullify informed consent," Same-Day Surgery, January 2001, p. 1. You can access the story in the archives at www.same-daysurgery.com. Your user name is your subscriber number. Your password is sds (in small letters) and your subscriber number again.]
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