6
Achieving premium outcomes and practice success with
next-generation laser vision correction ablations
This was also the case when we
looked at the percentage with 20/20
UCDVA (1 day postop, 90% of those
having LASIK had 20/20 UCDVA vs. 23%
of those with PRK; 1 week, 93% of those
with LASIK vs. 61% of those with PRK; 1
month, 95% of those with LASIK vs. 84%
with PRK). Three months after surgery,
95% of both groups had 20/20 UCDVA.
Additional results
Patients who had LASIK compared with
PRK were more likely to be satisfied 1
month after surgery (93% vs. 84%,
respectively), but percentages were
almost equal 3 months after surgery
(92% vs. 91%, respectively).
When patients were asked about dry
eye symptoms during the previous week,
85% of patients who had LASIK com-
pared with 79% who had PRK reported
no discomfort 1 month after surgery.
Three months after surgery, 90% of those
who had LASIK versus 87% of those who
had PRK indicated no dry eye issues.
Conclusion
Surface ablation plays a key role in treat-
ing specific patients, but misperceptions,
including concerns about dry eye, may
drive surgeons to choose PRK over LASIK.
In addition, LASIK may be more
beneficial economically in our practices
without compromising patient care.
Dr. Schallhorn is professor of ophthalmology,
University of California, San Francisco, and
in private practice in San Diego. He can be
contacted at scschallhorn@yahoo.com.
Typical case management with
wavefront-guided technology
I
n a typical case, we performed wavefront-guided LASIK on a 29-year-old lawyer who
works in medical-legal claims. In his spare time, he runs in marathons and plays
squash. He typically wore daily wear contact lenses, occasionally leaving them in
overnight.
I think LASIK is a safer option in the long run than wearing contact lenses,
especially if the contact lenses are left in overnight. His motivation for LASIK was to
reduce his dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
His uncorrected vision was 20/200 in each eye. His manifest refraction was: right,
–2.75 –0.50 x 015, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 20/12.5; left –2.75 –0.25 x 080,
BCVA 20/12.5. His low light pupil diameter was 6.5 mm in both eyes. Figures 1 and 2
show the treatment plan.
The patient commented that the surgery was pain free and quicker than expected
and that he saw results immediately. He reported that his eyesight is "fantastic."
One month after LASIK, the patient was very satisfied. His uncorrected distance vision
was 20/12.5 in each eye. His manifest refraction was: right, +0.50 –0.50 x 005; left, +0.25
–0.25 x 160.
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of the latest technology.
Figure 1. Treatment plan for right eye
Figure 2. Treatment plan for left eye
