EYE ON HEALTH |
|
|
(NAPSI)-LASIK, the popular vision correction procedure, was the topic of a recent FDA panel meeting in which its safety and effectiveness were reaffirmed. Scientific data presented during the meeting showed that 95.4 percent of patients worldwide are satisfied with their results. “As one of the most studied medical procedures, LASIK is well established and has an exceptional track record,” said Kerry D. Solomon, M.D., a world-renowned ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon at the Storm Eye Institute. “Today’s modern LASIK delivers superior safety and better visual outcomes than ever before.” Dr. Solomon answers key questions about LASIK: Q: What is modern LASIK? A: Today’s “modern LASIK” combines 3-D mapping and customized treatment for the first all-laser LASIK procedure. The U.S. military and NASA have approved this combination of technologies on personnel including pilots and astronauts. Q: Is everyone a candidate for LASIK? A: No. In fact, on average, 20-25 percent of people are ineligible. Those with thin or irregularly shaped corneas, or unrealistic expectations, generally are not considered good candidates. Q: What should I do if I’m considering LASIK? A: Talk to your friends and ask for referrals to find the physician who is right for you. The best patients are those who do their own research and ask questions. A variety of painless tests will be performed during the prescreening examination. The exam, which lasts about two hours, includes 3-D mapping and customized wave-front measurements of your eye and an examination of your corneas. Be sure to thoroughly read all the information provided, including the informed consent and educational materials. Q: What should I expect after LASIK? A: After the procedure, you will rest the remainder of the day. Your doctor will conduct follow-up exams in the first days, weeks and months following your procedure. Q: Should I be afraid? Does it hurt? A: LASIK today is fast and virtually painless. But remember, LASIK is surgery. Understanding both the benefits and the risks is important. Serious complications are less than 1 percent. Complications may include dry eye, glare/halos and double vision, which typically resolve over time, or in some cases can be managed with enhancements or other therapy such as drops to replace the eye’s moisture. “LASIK changes lives for the better, and with all of today’s advanced technologies, there simply is no better time to have LASIK,” said Dr. Solomon. For more information, visit www.ascrs.org or check out www.thelasikfacts.com. LASIK vision correction is performed on 700,000 people annually and has a 95.4 percent satisfaction rate. |
|