Current opinions on corrective laser refractive surgery

Session Details

Session Title: Photoablation Outcomes I

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/09/2015 | 16:30-18:30

Paper Time: 16:36

Venue: Room 17

First Author: : H.Chung CANADA

Co Author(s): :    J. Bhamra   E. Sanders                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Refractive error is the leading ocular abnormality in the world, making laser refractive surgery, or LRS, one of the most widely practiced elective surgeries. However, a common belief encountered among the general public is that ophthalmologists prefer to wear glasses or contact lenses rather than undergo corrective refractive surgery. The main purpose of our study was to determine the proportion of ophthalmologists who would and would not personally undergo LRS, and to investigate reasons behind this decision.

Setting:

Online survey conducted through the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, Canada.

Methods:

An online survey was created and subsequently reviewed by a group of ophthalmologists in Calgary, Canada as well as the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Refractive Clinical Committee. The survey was distributed to the ASCRS email list, consisting of an estimated 7000 individuals, and was open for a month-long period.

Results:

396 surveys were received. 84.8% respondents were male, 13.4% female, 0.3% other, and 1.5% declined to answer. Age was collected by groupings from 26 to over 70 years of age, with most respondents aged 51-55. The majority had a practice of general, anterior segment, and cornea patients. 81.4% have performed LRS, while 18.6% have not. When asked about undergoing LRS, 51.5% responded yes and 48.5% no. Of those who responded yes, 40.7% had already undergone LRS. Top reasons against LRS include: visual acuity not requiring correction (59.9%), worry over intolerable side effects or possible complications (26.3%), and existing contraindications (23.4%).

Conclusions:

Our survey had a 5.7% response rate, with the majority of respondents being males aged 51-55. Most have performed LRS, and there is an almost 50-50 divide on whether or not they would undergo LRS. Most frequently reported reasons for not undergoing LRS include no need for correction, worry about side effects and complications, and existing contraindications.

Financial Interest:

NONE