Purpose: Patient satisfaction following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is commonly reported as high. This paper reviews the outcome of LASIK both in terms of visual results and satisfaction.
Methods: Two-hundred patients were surveyed telephonically to establish their degree of satisfaction with LASIK and to enquire about postoperative use of glasses, and symptoms of light sensitivity and of night vision problems. Patient anonymity was assured.
Results: The majority of patients (95%) never wore distance glasses after LASIK. Reading glasses were used by 49 (24.5%), related to age and presbyopia. Light sensitivity was not a problem or was unchanged from baseline in 73% of patients; 27% said they were worse; a few (5.5%) said their symptoms were better. Night vision was not a problem or was unchanged from baseline in 76% of patients; 24% said they were worse; 17% said their symptoms were better. One hundred ninety-five patients (97.5%) were extremely happy with their results and 197 (98.5%) would have the procedure again.
Conclusion: After LASIK, 95% of 200 patients wore no distance optical correction; 99% would have the procedure again; and light sensitivity and night vision problems bothered a significant number of patients.