ASCRS MEETING April 19, 2013 – LASIK is the most popular elective surgery, with more than 16 million procedures performed in the U.S. to date. But in spite of high satisfaction rates, misconceptions and fears persist, according to findings from a new survey by the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC). Those misconceptions may be creating barriers to the procedure, resulting in prospects delaying their decision to have the procedure – or deciding against it all together. More than 80 percent of those surveyed who wear glasses or contacts indicated they were considering LASIK; yet, only two percent had moved to the next step of exploring candidacy with their physicians.
The first annual ARSC LASIK survey shows that the vast majority of people who have LASIK are extremely satisfied with it, and would recommend it to others. But the findings also indicate surprisingly inaccurate opinions.
“The survey shows that respondents believe LASIK is extremely safe, effective and popular, and that satisfaction only increases over time. However, there also is more work to do to ensure that the facts are clearly understood – particularly among people considering LASIK,” said Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, member of ARSC and ASCRS President. “That is our mission. ARSC was created to educate the marketplace about the realities and benefits of LASIK.”
The survey, of 310 adult Americans who are considering LASIK and 122 who have had the procedure, was conducted in September 2012. Among the key findings:
- More than 80 percent of survey respondents who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses are considering LASIK. However only two percent have consulted a LASIK surgeon – the best way to determine if it is right for a given individual and their vision. ”This indicates a need for more information on what practical steps to take to find out about LASIK and determine if you are a candidate,” Dr. Donnenfeld said.
- The number one reason cited for not having LASIK was concern about needing a second procedure. In fact, the LASIK retreatment rate is low – 5-10 percent of patients undergo a second procedure to fine-tune their vision.
- Very few survey participants express concern over LASIK’s healing process, which, interestingly, requires their participation to manage. However, significant concerns over very rare or unheard of side effects persisted.
- Cost remains a primary factor in determining whether to have the procedure with 84 percent of respondents citing price as the reason for not having the procedure. This sentiment underscores the ongoing importance of educating potential patients on the value of excellent vision as well as the various payment options that help make LASIK more affordable,” Dr. Donnenfeld said.
In addition to reporting on misconceptions, the survey showed that LASIK satisfaction is high, and shed light on why people decide to have LASIK:
- Patient satisfaction with LASIK grows over time. Those who had the procedure seven years ago were just as satisfied as or more satisfied than those who had it less than four years ago.
- Seventy-eight percent of people who’ve had LASIK believe others should have it, too.
- The main motivation to have LASIK is to improve day-to-day life. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they wanted better vision and more convenience for routine activities like showering and driving. This outranked other categories such as work or physical appearance.
- Nearly 85 percent report that a “life event,” such as getting married, losing weight or having a child sparked their interest in LASIK.
- Fifty-one percent of contact lens wearers expressed concern about eye infections related to contact lens use.
- Thirty-eight percent of eyeglass wearers were concerned about being able to find their glasses in an emergency such as a house fire.
- The chief complaint about glasses is that “they get in the way of my sports or lifestyle activities.”
- The number one consideration in choosing a LASIK surgeon is experience (88 percent), with price a close second (85 percent).
- The top influencer on the decision whether to have LASIK is a personal physician or optometrist.
The survey also showed that the youngest candidates – members of “Gen Y,” aged 35 and under – may be more open to LASIK than were previous generations.
- They are more likely than older candidates to complain about the cost and inconvenience of glasses and contacts, and to say that glasses and contacts hamper their sports/lifestyle activities and daily lives.
- They are more open to a wide range of information sources, talking to friends and even total strangers about LASIK, both in person and via social networks; older candidates were much more likely to focus on information from physicians and family members.
- They are more confident in the safety of LASIK than older candidates.
“LASIK has been around for more than half their lives,” Dr. Donnenfeld said. “It’s possible that they’ve seen their parents have LASIK. That may help explain why they are less satisfied with other forms of vision correction and more confident in LASIK.”
Educating the public with clarity and consistency can reduce confusion and improve market conditions. The survey found that physicians and eye care professions have a huge influence on the decision to have LASIK, said Dr. Donnenfeld. “LASIK has a substantial positive impact in the lives of people who opt for it. We want to make sure that everyone who can benefit from LASIK can put it in the right context for their lives, ask the right questions and choose the kind of vision correction that’s best for them.”
About ARSC
The American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC) is a cooperative working group made up of refractive surgery industry representatives and medical professionals. ARSC promotes the interests and general welfare of the refractive surgery industry in the United States. Its primary function is to educate the public about the safety, clinical outcomes and lifestyle benefits of refractive surgery, including LASIK and refractive intraocular lens implants, and supporting research into laser- and IOL-based refractive technologies.