Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of refractive errors (replaced by 1PG164 Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error)

NICE issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors in December 2004.

The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee asked the Review Body for Interventional Procedures to undertake a systematic review of this procedure and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).

This review is now complete and NICE has issued full guidance to the NHS on photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors. All the information on this procedure can be found at www.nice.org.uk/IPG164. This guidance replaces previous guidance on laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of refractive errors (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 102).

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is used to treat refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and low degrees of long-sightedness (hyperopia or hypermetropia).

Refractive errors are usually corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses. Surgical treatments have been developed, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), microsurgery and lens implants. PRK involves sculpting the surface of the cornea with a laser. The type of surgery depends largely on the type and extent of the focusing error to be corrected.

LASIK involves the use of an ophthalmic excimer laser to reshape the cornea in order to correct focusing errors. It is similar to PRK, but there is an additional step of creating a corneal flap.

Other (see guidance)

Surgical procedures

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA