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Refractive Eye Surgery: Helping Patients Make Informed Decisions About LASIK
John M Wilkinson1, Elizabeth W Cozine1, Amir R Kahn1
1Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
American Family Physician
|July 4, 2017
Summary
Laser vision correction, like LASIK, offers excellent distance vision for most patients but may cause dry eye or visual disturbances. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor for informed decisions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Refractive surgery, including LASIK, reshapes the cornea with lasers as an alternative to glasses.
- While marketed as simple and safe, high-quality long-term outcome data are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes, complications, and patient selection for refractive surgery.
- To inform family physicians about refractive surgery options and patient counseling.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on refractive surgery outcomes and complications.
- Discussion of patient selection criteria, contraindications, and potential side effects.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of selected patients achieve excellent uncorrected distance vision.
- Potential complications include persistent dry eye (up to 20%) and visual disturbances, especially at night.
- Vision-threatening complications are rare; intraocular lenses are an alternative for older patients.
Conclusions:
- Refractive surgery significantly reduces dependence on corrective lenses, but some patients still need glasses post-procedure.
- Patient satisfaction is generally high, but informed decision-making requires understanding risks, benefits, and individual preferences.
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