Most studies in medical journals report results of a treatment or procedure, such as Lasik, and not the effects on a patient’s lifestyle and well-being. Success in ophthalmology is often measured by how many patients see 20/20 or how much the pressure is lowered rather than by how many patients are pleased with their results. As refractive surgeons however, we understand that patients are more concerned with the real world! Being able to see the clock, drive, engage in sports or outside activities without the need for glasses or contacts lenses is more important than what their recorded vision is on a Snellen eye chart. Indeed, if the visual acuity is 20/20 but there is glare, haloes and dryness – that would NOT be an acceptable result. Thus, we have the concept of 20/happy, meaning that the goal is to make the patient “happy” rather than getting hung up on any particular vision notation.
Though Lasik has now been around in the U.S for almost 20 years, the FDA is finally starting to understand this concept. They just completed their first study* of Lasik using “patient reported” subjective outcomes, rather than merely relying on objective measurements. They found that 3 months after the procedure, 94% of patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied and that less than 1% reported “a lot of difficulty” doing their usual daily activities without correction.
But the study surveyed patients only 3 months after their procedure. As dry eyes and haloes diminish over time and enhancements to improve vision are not performed until after 3 months anyway, one must assume that satisfaction rates would be even higher and those with difficulties even lower if surveyed later.
While finally studied by the FDA, this is what refractive surgeons have known all along! Lasik complications, though present, are rare and patient satisfaction is extremely high. At CarlinVision – perhaps because of our careful screening, advanced technology, attention to detail, physician experience and a friendly, supportive individualized environment – 99 % or our patients report satisfaction and being 20/happy!!
Maybe now we can finally convince the naysayers that Lasik is the “miracle” that those who have had it say it is! lasik@carlinvision.com
*PROWL Study: http://1.usa.gov/1voYhrc
