The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy), the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) and Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company have produced a free 15-page guide on LASIK. Consumers who are thinking about whether to have LASIK now have a new resource to help them with their decision. "Is Lasik for Me?: A Patient's Guide to Refractive Surgery" offers objective and balanced information about refractive surgery, as well as links to other documents that patients may find useful.

Each year, approximately 700,000 Americans have LASIK and the vast majority are happy with their results. As with all surgery, however, there are risks associated with the procedure. The information in the guide is intended to help potential LASIK candidates:

• Understand what LASIK is

• Be aware of what would make a person a good or poor candidate for LASIK

• Be aware of and understand the possible risks and complications of LASIK

• Select a surgeon

• Evaluate LASIK advertising

• Become familiar with the Informed Consent process.

"This is a great comprehensive tool for consumers considering LASIK," said David W. Parke II, M.D., executive vice president and CEO of the Academy. "We hope that anyone who is considering LASIK will find this a beneficial and educational component for helping to make the decision."

In addition to the guide, the Academy also developed a K card for patients who have undergone LASIK surgery. The card, which is to be kept by the patient, captures a patient's preoperative keratometry readings (the curvature of the cornea) and refraction. It is often difficult to track down this critical data years later, when the patient is in need of cataract surgery or additional eye care. "The K card should be an important element of a LASIK patient's health records," said Dr. Parke.

"Is LASIK for Me?" and the K card are available at http://www.geteyesmart.org.

Source: napsnet.com