Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error

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).

OPCS4.6 Code(s):

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK):

C44.4 Photorefractive keratectomy

 

Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK):

C44.5 Laser subepithelial keratomileusis

 

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK):

C44.2 Laser in situ keratomileusis

_{The NHS Classifications Service of NHS Connecting for Health is the central definitive source for clinical coding guidance and determines the coding standards associated with the classifications (OPCS-4 and ICD-10) to be used across the NHS.   The NHS Classifications Service and NICE work collaboratively to ensure the most appropriate classification codes are provided.  www.connectingforhealth.co.uk/clinicalcoding}

 

 

Details

Contact details:

Links:

	IPG 164 Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error - guidance	22 March 2006
	IPG164 Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error: guidance (Web format)	15 February 2011
	IPG 164 Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error - information for the public	22 March 2006
	Interventional procedures consultation document - photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error	26 July 2005
	A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of elective photorefractive surgery for the correction of refractive error	26 July 2005