AAO assessment finds LASIK good for low to moderate myopia

SAN FRANCISCO — LASIK is safe and effective for correcting low to moderate myopia and astigmatism, according to an assessment by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The procedure is less predictable for moderate to high myopia and astigmatism, says the document from the Academy’s Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee.

The committee's assessment also reports that serious complications resulting in permanent vision loss occur rarely, but side effects such as dry eye, nighttime starbursts and reduced contrast sensitivity occur more frequently.

The assessment is based on a search of the peer-reviewed scientific literature from 1968 through June 2001. It addressed issues such as preoperative evaluation of patients; issues concerning microkeratomes and corneal flap thickness; operative techniques with the excimer laser, suction rings and microkeratome blades; postoperative care of the LASIK patient; regulatory status of lasers and microkeratomes; and resources required for physicians to purchase or use excimer lasers and microkeratomes.

"LASIK is an excellent procedure for many, but not all, patients. Those who are not good candidates should not have the surgery," said Christopher Rapuano, MD, chairman of the assessment committee. "Surgical complications, though rare, do occur, but advances in excimer laser technology and newer microkeratomes may help further decrease the small percentage of surgical problems we have seen in the past."

Insufficient data existed to describe the relative advantages and disadvantages of different lasers or nomograms, according to the study authors. The assessment is published in the January issue of Ophthalmology. To view the abstract, click here.