Laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors

National Institute for Clinical Excellence
Record ID 32005000058
English
Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors.

Authors' recommendations: 1.1 Current evidence on laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors suggests that it is efficacious in selected patients with mild or moderate myopia. Evidence is weaker for its efficacy in patients with severe myopia and hyperopia. 1.2 There are concerns about the procedures safety in the long term, and current evidence does not appear adequate to support its use without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research. 1.3 Clinicians wishing to undertake laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors should take the following actions: - Ensure that patients fully understand the specific risks associated with the procedure and provide them with clear written information. Use of the Institute's Information for the Public is recommended. -Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors. 1.4 Clinicians should have adequate training before performing the technique. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists has produced standards for laser refractive surgery (http://www.rcophth.ac.uk/about/aboutcollegedocs/RefractiveSurgeryStandardsMay2004.pdf). 1.5 Further research will be useful and clinicians are encouraged to collect longer-term follow-up data. 1.6 The procedure has been referred to the Review Body for Interventional Procedures for systematic review.
Authors' methods: Overview
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/ipcat.aspx?c=87527
Year Published: 2004
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ
  • Laser Therapy
  • Myopia
  • Refractive Errors
Contact
Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence
Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801
Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk
Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk
Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.