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Who Is Right For Laser Eye Surgery?
Physician group defines ideal candidate with
new guidelines
(ARA) - People considering the laser eye surgery
procedure LASIK now have a simple way to help determine whether they
should have the procedure, or whether they should wait.
The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), an
initiative from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
(ASCRS), has just released patient guidelines defining the 'ideal,'
'less than ideal,' or 'non' LASIK candidates. These detailed guidelines
clearly outline what patients should expect from the procedure -- from
descriptions of tests that should be included in a pre-LASIK screening
examination to realistic outcomes.
"These guidelines will help patients to understand
whether or not LASIK is right for them, what they should expect from
their doctor, and the procedure," said Dr. Roger Steinert, ESEC chair,
associate clinical professor of ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School,
Boston. "LASIK is a surgical procedure, performed by a medical doctor,
and as with all surgeries, the decision to undergo laser eye surgery
should not be taken lightly."
The ESEC, and in turn these guidelines, were
developed in response to an alarming lack of public knowledge of laser
eye surgery. A recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive
showed many people are unaware of even basic laser eye surgery truths.
For example, nearly half of those surveyed did not recognize that an
ideal LASIK patient exists, believing that anyone with imperfect vision
is a strong candidate. Other key findings were:
* While one in three Americans who wear glasses
or contact lenses have considered laser eye surgery, nearly the same
number did not realize that the surgery is performed by a medical doctor
-- a fundamental fact.
* One in four respondents (23 percent) thought
that laser eye surgery is a cosmetic -- not medical -- procedure.
"This survey was a real wake up call for us.
As surgeons, we have become increasingly aware that when it comes to
laser eye surgery, consumer knowledge is alarmingly low," explained
ASCRS president, Dr. Marguerite McDonald, clinical professor of ophthalmology,
Tulane University, New Orleans. "The mission of the Eye Surgery Education
Council is to combat misconceptions about LASIK, and to provide patients
with the tools they need to educate themselves."
LASIK is the most common type of laser eye surgery
in the United States, performed 1.5 million times each year. It has
been proven to be a safe and effective procedure with many patients
achieving 20/20 vision or better. Recently, however, risks related to
LASIK have become a more public concern.
"We've recently seen a lot of misinformation
on LASIK complications. In reality, sight-threatening complications
are extremely rare," said Dr. Steinert. "The key is for patients to
develop a clear understanding of risks, benefits and probable outcomes,
and to feel comfortable that their decision to have LASIK is an informed
one."
For more information about laser eye surgery,
LASIK guidelines or to receive a print copy of an educational brochure,
interested consumers should call (800) 536-ESEC or log onto eyesurgeryeducation.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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