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Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error

 
Guidance issued
 
IPG Number: IPG164

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error.

Description

Refractive error includes myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia; these are usually corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses. Modifying the shape of the cornea can reduce myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Corneal reshaping is achieved in photorefractive surgery using excimer laser ablation and is indicated in the range of refractive error from +6 dioptres (D) of hyperopia to –10 D of myopia, with up to 4 cylinders of astigmatism. Excimer laser refractive surgery techniques in current use include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Normal
Topic area:
Eye
Surgical procedures
Specialty:
Ophthalmology
Specialist advice has been sought from:
Date notified to NICE:
28 August 2003
Provisional consultation date:
Summer 2005
Guidance issue date:
22 March 2006

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Ben Doak
Technical lead
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
Steven Barnes
ip@nice.org.uk
Contact Address:

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

Links: