30 | EYEWORLD | JUNE 2019
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From the Steinert Refractive Lecture:
"Myths, Misconceptions, and Reality of LASIK"
The 2019 Steinert Refractive Lecture at the 2019 ASCRS Refractive Day was presented by Eric
Donnenfeld, MD. He dispelled the following myths:
• Myth #1: Physicians would not have LASIK on their own eyes. Refractive surgeons, one
study showed, were four times more likely to have laser vision correction than the general
population.
• Myth #2: The long-term effects of LASIK are not known. Long-term studies have shown
both refractive stability and safety of the procedure.
• Myth #3: Contact lenses are safer than LASIK.
Published research presented by Dr. Donnenfeld
reports that daily contact lens wear for 30 years is
less safe than LASIK.
• Myth #4: LASIK increases the risk of glare
and halo compared to glasses. While LASIK can
induce such visual abnormalities in a minority of
patients, Dr. Donnenfeld showed data that found
modern LASIK can actually cure such problems.
• Myth #5: The safety and efficacy of LASIK has
not improved over time. Dr. Donnenfeld high-
lighted a paper that showed a 10-year history of
continuous improvement of the procedure.
• Myth #6: Dry eye is extremely common after
LASIK. Research has shown that dry eye is com-
mon after LASIK in the first 3 months postop, but
largely resolves after 6 months.
From the ASCRS Film Festival
Boris Malyugin, MD, PhD, took home this year's Grand Prize
at the 2019 ASCRS Film Festival for his film "Intraoperative
Aqueous Misdirection Syndrome: The New Risk Factor for PC
Rupture During Phacoemulsification."
Thomas Samuelson, MD (right), passes the
ASCRS presidency to Nick Mamalis, MD.
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