SAN FRANCISCO—As physicians our goal is to provide the best quality of life for our patients. Data shows that nearly 95 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied with their outcomes—the highest for almost any surgical procedure. However, we do know that a very small percentage, less than 2 percent, will have complications that impact their quality of life. By examining LASIK’s impact on the patient quality of life and identifying the factors that may influence patient satisfaction, the FDA study can help us understand how we can extend patient satisfaction even further. The participation of the Department of Defense will be a tremendous benefit for the study, because of the Department’s considerable experience with LASIK. The Academy stands ready to assist the FDA in the development of the study.

The Academy offers a free resource for consumers who are thinking about whether to have LASIK. “Is Lasik For Me?: A Patient’s Guide to Refractive  Surgery” offers objective and balanced information about refractive surgery, as well as links to other documents that patients may find useful. The fifteen-page guide is produced by the Academy, the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) and Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company. “Is LASIK for Me?” is available at http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/correction/LASIK.cfm

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About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

AAO is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons—Eye M.D.s—with more than 27,000 members worldwide.  Eye health care is provided by the three “O’s” – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat it all: eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery. For more information, visit the Academy's Web site at www.aao.org.