By Dr. Edward Boshnick, OD.
January 6, 2011
I have many hundreds of post-LASIK patients in my patient population. In this population I have at least 75 patients who have suffered from ectasia. Many of these patients were told by their surgeons that they developed "keratoconus" and not ectasia. My only conclusion is this was told to the patient in an effort to avoid litigation.
Glare, halos, dry eyes and loss of quality night vision are not just adverse events but life altering disabilites. Many in my post-LASIK patient population do not drive at night and cannot function indoors in low light situations. As far as dry eyes are concerned, many of these patients' eyes are so dry that they cannot sleep through the night without getting up to instill lubricating drops in their eyes.
Loss of contrast sensitivity is a given in my post-LASIK patient population. Many of these patients were dismissed by their surgeons after being told that they had 20/20 or close to 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity. Yet, these patients still came to visit my office for help in improving their vision. Why is this? Please understand that one could still read the 20/20 line with cellophane placed over the eyes. The 20/20 (or 20/15) line on the acuity chart should not be the final criterion that determines the success of LASIK surgery.
Post-LASIK corneas are permanently weakened. Because these corneas are unstable due to the LASIK thinning procedure, the cutting of the collagen fibers which give the cornea it's strength and many other factors some of which remain unknown, this patient population will need continuing specialty lens care for the remainder of their lives.
Although many of the LASIK studies conducted by the LASIK industry took place up to a year after patients underwent the procedure, the overwhelming majority of my patient population first came to see me 2 or more years after having had LASIK. A small percentage first came to visit my office after 8 years. In addition, the majority of my patients who experienced post-LASIK ectasia, experienced it on average 18 months to 24 months after having had their surgery. I do feel that a significant percentage of LASIK patients with ectasia are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The emotional and psychological aftermath of these procedures cannot be calculated. I have had at least 12 post-LASIK patients speak to me of suicidal thoughts. I have one patient who actually attempted suicide on 3 separate occasions.
Those who read my thoughts on this matter should understand that I have no financial interest in the current debate regarding the risks and benefits of LASIK. I do feel that at the present time, LASIK is a clear and present danger to the public welfare.
January 6, 2011
I have many hundreds of post-LASIK patients in my patient population. In this population I have at least 75 patients who have suffered from ectasia. Many of these patients were told by their surgeons that they developed "keratoconus" and not ectasia. My only conclusion is this was told to the patient in an effort to avoid litigation.
Glare, halos, dry eyes and loss of quality night vision are not just adverse events but life altering disabilites. Many in my post-LASIK patient population do not drive at night and cannot function indoors in low light situations. As far as dry eyes are concerned, many of these patients' eyes are so dry that they cannot sleep through the night without getting up to instill lubricating drops in their eyes.
Loss of contrast sensitivity is a given in my post-LASIK patient population. Many of these patients were dismissed by their surgeons after being told that they had 20/20 or close to 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity. Yet, these patients still came to visit my office for help in improving their vision. Why is this? Please understand that one could still read the 20/20 line with cellophane placed over the eyes. The 20/20 (or 20/15) line on the acuity chart should not be the final criterion that determines the success of LASIK surgery.
Post-LASIK corneas are permanently weakened. Because these corneas are unstable due to the LASIK thinning procedure, the cutting of the collagen fibers which give the cornea it's strength and many other factors some of which remain unknown, this patient population will need continuing specialty lens care for the remainder of their lives.
Although many of the LASIK studies conducted by the LASIK industry took place up to a year after patients underwent the procedure, the overwhelming majority of my patient population first came to see me 2 or more years after having had LASIK. A small percentage first came to visit my office after 8 years. In addition, the majority of my patients who experienced post-LASIK ectasia, experienced it on average 18 months to 24 months after having had their surgery. I do feel that a significant percentage of LASIK patients with ectasia are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The emotional and psychological aftermath of these procedures cannot be calculated. I have had at least 12 post-LASIK patients speak to me of suicidal thoughts. I have one patient who actually attempted suicide on 3 separate occasions.
Those who read my thoughts on this matter should understand that I have no financial interest in the current debate regarding the risks and benefits of LASIK. I do feel that at the present time, LASIK is a clear and present danger to the public welfare.
