Patient satisfaction after LASIK for myopia
Miller, A.E.; McCulley, J.P.; Bowman, R.W.; Cavanagh, H.D.; Wang, X.H.
Clao Journal Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Inc 27(2): 84-88
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8902 PMID: 11352454 Document Number: 528566
Purpose: To determine satisfaction among patients treated with laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK) for various degrees of myopia (-0.75 D to -16.00 D) and myopic astigmatism (+0.50 D to +4.50 D) and assess factors which may affect satisfaction. Methods: One-hundred seventy-four consecutive patients treated with LASIK between November 1, 1997 and October 31, 1998 were surveyed. Charts were reviewed to collect refractive data. Results: Eighty-three patients (163 eyes) returned surveys for a response rate of 53%. Of the responders, 55% were female, the average age was 39.6 years (range 21-59), the mean preoperative sphere was -6.36 +- 0.23 D, cylinder +0.94+-0.07 D, and spherical equivalent -5.89+-0.23 D. Ninety-six percent of eyes enjoyed freedom from corrective lenses following LASIK. Twenty-nine percent reported reduced night vision clarity following LASIK and 27% noted more eye dryness following LASIK. Overall, 84.8% were at least "very pleased" with the results of the procedure and 97% indicated that they would decide again to have LASIK. Uncorrected visual acuity and lower preoperative cylinder correlated positively with satisfaction, while increased postoperative dry eyes correlated negatively with satisfaction. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a very high level of patient satisfaction following excimer laser treatment for myopia and myopic astigmatism. A great deal of literature has evaluated objective outcomes of LASIK, but this is one of few studies to examine patient satisfaction.