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Patient misconceptions of LASIK remain
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CHICAGO — Despite patients having misconceptions about LASIK, the facts about the procedure are overwhelmingly positive and need to be shared, according to a presenter here.
“The efficacy and safety of LASIK has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials, perhaps most definitively in the recent FDA sponsored Prowl I and Prowl II studies. The Prowl studies confirmed LASIK is highly effective in correcting refractive error,” Marianne O. Price, PhD, said at Refractive Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Marianne O. Price
The Prowl studies showed a 96% to 99% overall satisfaction rate for patients after LASIK, far higher than other forms of vision correction used by the patients before LASIK, Price said.
A common misconception among patients is that LASIK fades over time, Price noted. Ophthalmologists must assure their patients that LASIK lasts a lifetime, but it does not prevent dysfunctional lens syndrome later in life; however, there are good treatments for the syndrome when that time comes, Price said.
Compared with contact lens use, Price said LASIK did not increase dry eye symptoms, reduced the risk of eye infections, ulcers and abrasion, improved the ease of night driving, and resulted in significantly higher patient satisfaction.
“It’s important to educate patients, however, on why someone may not be a candidate for LASIK and the importance of finding a reputable provider,” she said. – by Robert Linnehan
Reference:
Price MO. Laser vision correction: How to improve patient education. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting; Oct. 14-18, 2016; Chicago.
Disclosure: Price reports she is a consultant for STAAR Surgical and Transcend Medical, and is an equity owner of Calhoun Vision Inc., Interactive Medical Publishing, ReVital Vision, Strathspey Crown and TearLab.