Refractive surgery using the LASIK procedure has been proven highly successful as far as from a doctor’s perspective. What about the patient’s opinion? The FDA had a set of studies done called Prowl 1 and Prowl 2. The FDA created a computer based questionnaire so laser eye surgery patients could report the outcomes of their LASIK procedure easily. Conducted over 5 clinical sites and with the military, Prowl 1 and 2 found patients that the doctor used excimer laser brands that had a large market share. Doing the study twice upped the reliability of data retrieved. The questions were honed to glean feelings from the patient about the experience they had.
The Military
Prowl 1 concentrated on the military since 20/20 vision lists a requirement for many of the positions in the forces. Dr. Hofmeister, the lead investigator in the study, looked for patients in the military that had a high level of before surgery visual complaints. Monitoring closely at the 6-month check point military personnel reported a 99.5% success rate at 20/20 or better binocular visual acuity. The military personnel reported 98% satisfaction with the result of the LASIK surgery. The military lists as a specialized population with high health ratings and special services. It has high physical demands on its soldiers especially in the visual area. To retain a position or receive a promotion soldiers must maintain a level of eye vision. LASIK offers a good solution to help soldiers stay at top physical level. Clinics providing LASIK surgery must adhere to the stringent regulations to do laser eye surgery on military personnel. As important as that is for the safety of our nation, what about civilians?
Civilians
The directors of the study thought the same thing. Prowl 2 concentrated on the civilian population. Dr. Manche lead the study for Prowl 2. Again 6 months after treatment the patients were questioned. Greater than 95% of the civilian eyes had 20/20 vision or better. Dr. Manche stated “it is incredible to note that this data is one treatment…”. Both studies confirmed the safety and the efficacy of the LASIK procedure for patients. The study would be used by the FDA to refine the labeling on LASIK devices. FDA recommends the surgery in these instances.
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center
Did you know in the Houston area exists a clinic of the quality like the Prowl study? It’s Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Dr. Khokar’s expertise serves the Air Force, Navy, and astronauts. The expertise is available to the general public as well. The process begins with a chat with the staff. They have information on different approaches for the eyes. If LASIK surgery looks like a likely procedure you can use, the staff will arrange a consultation with one of the doctors. LASIK does not cure every eye problem, but those involving cornea’s LASIK ranks as a good solution. The safety and the effectiveness of the procedure makes it a good surgery to choose for your eye problems.
To learn more contact the staff at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Let them guide you to better vision.
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugar Land Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
Via
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/UCM421193.pdf
http://www.eyeworld.org/article.php?sid=7710&strict=&morphologic=&query=lasik
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/UCM421192.pdf:
