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Long-term follow-up after laser vision correction among physicians: quality of life and patient satisfaction

Session Details

Session Title: Surface Ablation I

Session Date/Time: Sunday 06/10/2013 | 08:00-09:30

Paper Time: 08:00

Venue: Main Lecture Hall (Ground Floor)

First Author: : R.Krueger USA

Co Author(s): :    T. Pasquali   D. Smadja   G. Mello        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

While nearly 1 million patients undergo corneal refractive surgery each year in the United States with satisfaction rates reaching greater than 95%, concern and suspicion regarding the outcomes of laser vision correction remain high among physicians who demand the highest visual quality. The objective of our study is to evaluate satisfaction and quality of life after laser vision correction exclusively in the physician population

Setting:

Academic Clinical Practice at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute

Methods:

We developed a 12 question survey targeted toward physicians and the unique qualities of their experience with refractive surgery. The survey was sent to physicians who underwent refractive surgery at the Cole Eye Institute between 2000 and 2012. In conjunction, we conducted a retrospective review of the charts of those who were sent the survey to collect clinical information and postoperative visual outcomes.

Results:

226 physicians (439 eyes) met the inclusion criteria for our study. 132 physicians (58%) responded to our survey and reported an overall satisfaction rate of 95.3%. Respondents included surgeons (28%), physicians who perform procedures but not surgery (43%), and physicians who do not perform procedures or surgery (29%). 84.8% reported an improvement in the quality of their vision when compared to their best corrected pre-operative vision and 39% reported that their ability to perform procedures accurately had improved while only 1.6% felt that it was more difficult. 96% would have the procedure again. Visual outcomes demonstrated high levels of surgical predictability, efficacy, and safety.

Conclusions:

Despite high visual demands, physicians undergoing laser vision correction experience a high percentage of good visual acuity, satisfaction, and quality of life improvements, with outcomes similar to the general population. Many physicians indicated an improvement in their ability to perform procedures, a result that may translate into better patient care. Laser vision correction should be considered one of the most successful elective procedures, when performed among physicians.

Financial Interest:

NONE