NICE guidance on laser eye surgery (LASIK)

(Information from email bulletin sent by NICE)

In summary the guidance states that:

Current evidence on LASIK for the treatment of refractive errors suggests that it is effective in selected patients with mild or moderate short-sightedness. Evidence is weaker for its effectiveness in severe short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

There are concerns about the procedure's safety in the long term and current evidence does not appear adequate to support its use within the NHS without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.

Clinicians wishing to undertake LASIK 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 LASIK for the treatment of refractive errors.
Have adequate training before performing the technique. The Royal College of Ophthalmology has produced standards for Laser Refractive Surgery. For further information please click here.

Further research will be useful in reducing the current uncertainty and clinicians are encouraged to collect longer-term follow-up data.

For further information and to read the full recommendations please click here.