A recent survey of laser eye surgery patients conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center (Yonkers, N.Y.) has found that 80 percent of respondents say they are highly satisfied with the results of their vision correction procedure.
A total of 793 Americans who underwent LASIK surgery or other laser vision correction surgery since 2001 were polled. The findings were published in this month’s issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Other finding of the survey include:
- 59 percent of respondents said they have no regrets about having laser eye surgery.
- 53 percent reported having at least one initial side effect from their surgery.
- 45 percent reported never having any side effects.
- 12 percent needed a second surgery to correct a problem or enhance results.
- 3 percent said they regret having the surgery.
Also, 55 percent of respondents said they still need to wear glasses or contacts at least sometimes since their laser eye surgery. (The report did not reveal how many of these individuals had good distance vision but needed reading glasses to correct presbyopia.)
Regarding LASIK eye surgery cost, the article said that while costs vary widely, “the typical national price for both eyes, after any discounts, is about $3,314.”
Consumer Reports recommends that people who are interested in laser vision correction seek the services of a board-certified ophthalmologist who is an experienced refractive surgeon.
Respondents to their survey were happiest if their eye surgeon met with them before and after the procedure, conducted a thorough pre-operative exam (including measurements to rule out dry eyes) and spelled out the risks and benefits of the surgery.
The survey also found that satisfaction with the surgeon, even more than the place of surgery, predicted overall patient satisfaction.
SOURCE: Laser surgery: Go in with your eyes open. Consumer Reports magazine. November 2009.
Tags: laser vision correction