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Equally Clear Vision, Unequally Content
Here's a research breakthrough: a person's quality of life varies with refractive correction!
A recent study in the Journal of Refractive Surgery compared the results of a questionnaire given to a large group of adults. Each volunteer had some kind of refractive error (nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism) that was corrected with either: 1) spectacles; 2) contact lenses; or 3) refractive surgery. The composition of the three groups was similar for gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and refractive error. (For example, spectacle wearers could have afforded LASIK if they wanted it).
According to the results of the questionnaire, refractive surgery patients scored significantly higher than contact lens wearers, who in turn scored significantly higher than spectacle wearers. Convenience issues chiefly drove the differences between groups. Functionality, eye symptoms, economic concerns, heath concerns and well-being were also important. Spectacle wearers with low-strength prescriptions scored significantly higher than those with medium-strength prescriptions. (Maybe the low-strength prescription volunteers didn't wear their glasses!)
Sounds rosy, doesn't it? Have refractive surgery performed on your eyes and live happier. That may be true except for the 7% of refractive surgery patients in the study who encountered postoperative complications and a compromised quality of life.
Lessons learned? You don't need to be a research statistician to recognize that:
Here's the reference: J Refract Surg 2006;22(1):19-27
Related Links: Dr. Lloydâs Top 10 Tips on LASIK, Disqualifications for LASIK
Technorati Tags: Refractive surgery, LASIK, Post-op complications, Eye surgery
A recent study in the Journal of Refractive Surgery compared the results of a questionnaire given to a large group of adults. Each volunteer had some kind of refractive error (nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism) that was corrected with either: 1) spectacles; 2) contact lenses; or 3) refractive surgery. The composition of the three groups was similar for gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and refractive error. (For example, spectacle wearers could have afforded LASIK if they wanted it).
According to the results of the questionnaire, refractive surgery patients scored significantly higher than contact lens wearers, who in turn scored significantly higher than spectacle wearers. Convenience issues chiefly drove the differences between groups. Functionality, eye symptoms, economic concerns, heath concerns and well-being were also important. Spectacle wearers with low-strength prescriptions scored significantly higher than those with medium-strength prescriptions. (Maybe the low-strength prescription volunteers didn't wear their glasses!)
Sounds rosy, doesn't it? Have refractive surgery performed on your eyes and live happier. That may be true except for the 7% of refractive surgery patients in the study who encountered postoperative complications and a compromised quality of life.
Lessons learned? You don't need to be a research statistician to recognize that:
- There is no operation that is right for everyone
- All surgery carries risks of potential complications
- A 7% risk becomes 100% if it happens to you!
Here's the reference: J Refract Surg 2006;22(1):19-27
Related Links: Dr. Lloydâs Top 10 Tips on LASIK, Disqualifications for LASIK
Technorati Tags: Refractive surgery, LASIK, Post-op complications, Eye surgery
