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NICE issues laser refractive surgery guidance
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LONDON — British health authorities have recommended laser eye surgery not be offered to patients routinely on the National Health Service, because “as for most people, eye problems can easily be corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses,” according to guidance.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said that current evidence supports the safety and efficacy of laser eye procedures, but that clinicians should ensure that patients understand the benefits and potential risks of the procedures. Risks such as failure to achieve the desired visual outcome, corneal infection and flap complications “should be weighed against the risks and any possible inconvenience of wearing spectacles or contact lenses,” the guidance said.
NICE is “the independent organization responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment o fill health,” according to a press release.
NICE said it also suggests that clinicians should “audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients” who undergo the refractive surgery, noting that longer follow-up data will be useful.
The guidance covers LASIK, LASEK and PRK.