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Wednesday, December 07, 2005

LASIK: Maybe you DO get what you pay for!
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WebMD members contemplating LASIK laser refractive surgery take note.

Newly published clinical data comparing visual outcomes with traditional LASIK versus more expensive "custom ablations" finds that a higher percentage of postoperative patients enjoy 20/20 uncorrected vision with the customized procedure.

This study only looked at adults with moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and moderate astigmatism.

95.8% of customized ablation LASIK patients were 20/20 or better after 6 months compared to only 77.3% with the cheaper standard procedure.

A summary of the results can be found here.

Why does this matter? Since most LASIK candidates already see 20/20 or better with their present correction, they likely will be dissatisfied with any LASIK result that leaves them seeing any poorer.

Disclaimer: I do not perform LASIK, I have not undergone LASIK, I don't own stock in any LASIK-related businesses!

Related Links: Eye on New Vision Procedures, Bye Bye Bifocals

WebMD Abstracts: Wondering if you're a candidate for LASIK? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has guidelines for LASIK that explain appropriate criteria for selection. The FDA also has information on the advantages of LASIK and other types of eye surgery.

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 1:11 PM

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