« Surgically induced astigmatism after phacoemulsification in eyes with mild to moderate corneal astigmatism: Temporal versus on-axis clear corneal incisions | Main | Laser in situ keratomileusis: Ablation on the flap and stromal bed in a primary treatment »
May 30, 2006
To determine the correlation between patient perception and clinical measurements after wavefront-guided LASIK.
JCRS Pages 577-583 (April 2006)
In 274 myopic-astigmatic eyes,wavefront-guided LASIK procedures were at 6 sites. Comprehensive evaluations of vision and ocular health were conducted preoperatively and for 6 months postoperatively. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured, and questionnaires were administered. Questionnaire responses were compared with clinical measurements.
Results
The overall distribution shifted toward “more satisfied.” The “very satisfied” population increased by as much as 70% in all areas. There was no significant change in frequency of visual symptoms. Patients were more expressive about visual decline than visual improvement. Perception of changes in vision appeared to be related to mesopic contrast sensitivity and mesopic contrast sensitivity under glare. Mesopic pupil diameter was not a major predictor of patient satisfaction. Contact lens wearers were more satisfied with postoperative vision than were spectacle wearers. Men were more likely to report visual symptoms and to complain about night vision, although their changes were the same as those of the women. Residual refractive error was a major predictor for most questionnaire items.
Conclusion
Most patients were as satisfied or more satisfied with their postoperative uncorrected visual acuity than with their preoperative best corrected visual acuity. By continuing to minimize postoperative refractive error through the use of nomograms and improved technology, visual complaints such as night glare and halo could be diminished or even eliminated. The study shows that subjective experience affected satisfaction with results. Some dissatisfaction might be mitigated by being sure patients are educated and have realistic expectations before surgery.
Posted by alireza habibollahi at May 30, 2006 11:15 PM