American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Testifies about LASIK

4/25/08 Physicians testified Friday on behalf of the American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO) as part of the US FDA ongoing study on LASIK satisfaction. They presented information from studies that involved thousands of LASIK patients over the past 15 years. Over 16,000 eyes have been studied since 1993. For the majority of patients the outcome of LASIK is excellent and poor outcomes are rare. The goal of this study is to understand how patient satisfaction can be improved even further.

The AAO supports the FDA’s planned prospective study on quality of life following LASIK surgery. Over 15 million people worldwide have had LASIK, and in the past several years technology has improved. The prospective study will give a better understanding of the factors which contribute to dissatisfaction following LASIK.

There are alternatives to LASIK. For many patients PRK may be a safer alternative to LASIK. With PRK there is no corneal flap so the complications are lower at the time of surgery, and there is less risk with future eye injuries as there is no flap that can get damaged or dislodged. PRK does require approximately one week for recovery before return to work. For patients over 55 years old, refractive lensectomy may be an alternate option. All of these options should be discussed with the refractive surgeon before making a final decision about which procedure is best for you.