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Laser-eye-treatment-bbc-complicatons
Consumer experts have warned that patients undergoing laser eye surgery are not being told about the risks they could be taking with their sight. Laser surgery, which can cost thousands of pounds, is increasingly popular.
But an investigation by Health Which? revealed that any doctor can carry out the treatment after just a few days of training - they do not need a specialist qualification! The magazine also found complication rates vary between surgeons and clinics.
Over one million Americans and over 100,000 people in the UK, are undergoing corrective laser eye treatment every year.
While some people will be able to throw away their glasses, this won't be the case for everyone. It is important to be informed BEFORE undertaking any form of surgeyr but especially so with Eye Laser Surgerys.
Eye Laser Surgery is seen as quick and simple, and has received many celebrity endorsements.
Health Which? looked at clinics offering the Lasik procedure - the most popular on offer.
But whilst some highlight a low risk of complications with the procedure, others say the risk is non-existent.
'Misleading adverts'
In very rare instances, complications can lead to a condition known as 'corneal ectasia'. This is where fluid pressure builds up on the eye. In such a case, patients can require a corneal transplant to correct the condition. Other complications, though deemed "minor" by clinics, occur "relatively frequently", according to a review by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Patients can experience dry eyes or night vision problems, which can affect ability to drive or work in the evening or in dim light.
Health Which? also advises that the Medical Defence Union and the Medical Protection Society, both doctors' insurance companies, are raising the fees they charge doctors working in this field because of increased compensation claims by patients.
Questions
David Gartry, a consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital has helped draw up Royal College of Ophthalmologist' guidelines on who should carry out laser eye treatment.
The guidelines say that only doctors with specialist training should carry out the procedure. Mr Gartry told BBC News Online patients should find out as much as possible about the surgeon likely to carry out their operation.
"This is a situation where patients are responding to adverts, or even incentives. Patients should be asking the sort of questions they would ask if they were having, say, a hernia operation. i.e.
"What are the complication rates?
"What will happen if something goes wrong?
"Will I see the surgeon again?"
Dan Reinstein, who is developing safety guidelines for the Medical Protection Society, added: "Expert surgeons are better equipped to avoid complications even if they have not previously seen them. And when these do occur, trained experts will have the knowledge and ability to correct them."
'Highest clinical standards'
Sue Freeman, managing editor of Health Which?, said: "Patients shouldn't be taken in by claims about the safety and success rates of laser eye treatment and in particular about so called 'minor complications'.
"While some people will be able to throw away their glasses, this won't be the case for everyone." She added: "Patients should be fully informed of the possible risks and of the complication rates of clinics and individual surgeons.
"Until patients are able to make informed choice, they need to do a lot of research and ask a lot of hard questions of surgeons and clinics."
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LASIK: Revolutionising correction of refractive errors
LASIK, an unprecedented advancement in eye care, offers people a safe and simple opportunity to see the world clearly, minus the inconvenience or discomfort of scratched or lost contact lenses, or the blocked side vision of spectacles. In simple term LASIK is a revolutionary laser technique for correction of refractive errors.
LASIK surgery works wonders for Packers' Ferguson
Ferguson said he went to three doctors seeking a panacea for the headaches. One suggested that LASIK surgery probably would solve his eye problem and just might curb the headaches.
New, Improved LASIK Surgery
Just how much better this new ?wavefront-guided LASIK? works isn't proven yet, but it's causing excitement among eye surgeons who say the three-dimensional maps let them customize treatment in a way never before possible.
Opening Your Eyes To LASIK
More and more people are going under the laser to shed their glasses and contact lenses. So the Eye Surgery Education Council has issued new guidelines to help patients determine whether they could be candidates for laser eye surgery.
BLADE-FREE LASIK SURGERY
Are you near-sighted? Far-sighted? LASIK eye surgery could rid you of your glasses. But if fear of going under the blade is stopping you -- stop worrying. Now, a new blade-free approach.
Low-Cost LASIK Surgery
This year, it's estimated that more than 1½ million people will have corrective laser eye surgery and the price of that surgery can vary tremendously, but cheaper is not always better.
Research warns against sleeping in contact lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses can lead to an increased risk of severe eye infection, new research suggests. But new generation contact lenses, the investigation reveals, perform better in this regard than their predecessors. The University of Manchester study found that wearers who failed to remove their lenses before bedtime had an increased risk of developing keratitis than those who routinely took out their lenses before going to sleep
are a selection of your comments from people who have had Eye Laser Surgery.
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My wife had corrective laser treatment in November 2002 and all the literature she received quoted 'best case' examples of people being back at work the next day. Unfortunately she experienced massive discomfort and complete blindness for a week which failed to be controlled by the painkillers and sleeping pills prescribed by the clinic. In her own words "if she had known what it was going to be like she would never have had it done".
G Fuller, UK
Following surgery at the age of 44, I now have 20-20 vision, can use normal sunglasses (essential in Australia and at high altitude) and no longer have problems with rain or fogging. I saw a specialist surgeon in Belgium who used the latest equipment. I have had one (free) adjustment operation to correct some astigmatism in one eye.
I have experienced some minor double-vision, slight loss of night vision, and initially starbursts/haloes around strong light sources - the latter now much reduced. For me these are very minor compared with the joy of being able to see the stars with the naked eye for the first time. I was given a video recording of the operation but this is not for the squeamish, and best seen afterwards.
Charles Barran, Australia
After many years of consideration I finally took the decision to have laser treatment in December 2001. I opted for Lasek and was talked through all the possible complications and even had to take a little test to ensure I was fully aware of all possible side effects. After a thorough consultation I then had both eyes done simultaneously. I won't pretend the days following the treatment were bliss, I was in some discomfort for 3 to 4 days but after that had passed my eyes soon began to heal.
It was strange but having worn glasses for so long for a month or so afterwards I was still trying to push glasses that weren't there back up the bridge of my nose! It is now over a year since and I have perfect 20/20 vision. Just very occasionally my eyes are a little dry in the morning but I consider this a tiny inconvenience.
Edward Lacey, UK
I'd like to know if Sue Freeman would recommend micro lenses inserted into the eye as a better option than Lasik eye surgery. Would she be so kind as to find out on my behalf. I would like to lose my glasses. I did intend to have Lasik surgery but have now been scared off with the latest news regarding unsuccessful operations.
Vincent Jones, Dorset, UK
I had Lasik surgery last year and it was the best thing I ever did. I was fully informed by the company regarding any potential risks (and clear details on the procedures are on their website anyway). It was great just waking up the next day and not having to fumble around looking for glasses, and no fussing about shoving bits of plastic in my eyes each day!
Dave, UK
I had laser surgery in June 2001 and have been more than satisfied with the results and the service I received. I felt under no pressure to make a decision and that I was able to make an informed choice to go ahead with the procedure. I agree though that you do need to ask questions and be aware that there are risks - but isn't this the case for any sort of medical procedure? It is also essential to use a reputable company, unfortunately there are rouges out there, look at cosmetic surgery.
Kate Austin, England
More information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2745035.stm
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