LASIKblog

Having just returned from the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in New Orleans, we had an opportunity to hear many lectures, and chat informally with colleagues from all over the planet. Here are some thoughts about where we have been and where we are headed. Laser vision correction has been around for 20 years. Patients in whom PRK was performed many years ago are stable, and seeing well. There is still concern about complications, particularly ectasia, a progressive thinning of the cornea. This is a rare complication. It occurs more with LASIK than with PRK. Patients with ectasia may have had abnormal corneas before having LASIK. But LASIK seems to hasten the thinning process. Bewer instrumentation seems to be helpful in detecting abnormal corneas.The average LASIK patient is 39 years old and equal numbers of males and females have the procedure. Corneal flaps made with the IntraLase femtosecond laser have fewer complications than those made with the microkeratome. Currently, 28% of cases are performed with the IntraLase. Phakic intraocular lenses are being used for higher corrections (above -10), but most patients are reluctant to have an intraocular procedure.

Mitchell H. Friedlaender, M.D.
Scripps Clinic Laser Vision Center
La Jolla, CA
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