Eyeworld

70 | EYEWORLD | DECEMBER 2020 R EFRACTIVE George Waring IV, MD, has also seen an increase in his LASIK cases. Through the man- datory shutdown, Dr. Waring said his practice remained active with virtual LASIK consults, and he was surprised by the amount of interest during the pandemic in self-pay procedures. The reasons for the interest are likely mul- tifactorial, but Dr. Waring said many people are thinking about what's really important to them. Being unable to travel and not spending money, this has given many people time to reflect on things they want to do in life that they were too busy to do. "As a result, many people are inter- ested in opportunities for health and wellness and things to simplify their lives," he said. While the value of vision correction is well known to refractive surgeons, not everyone in the public is aware, so this gave the public more time to reflect on that value and opportunity, he said. Dr. Waring added that the possibility of not being able to obtain glasses or contacts in the future may have also played a role, in addition though he noted that a few have consulted previously. Dr. Chang said he's also seeing interest in refractive IOLs. Though this is a different age group, demographic, and income profile than those interested in LASIK, Dr. Chang thinks this is a positive trend for elective procedures in general. Sarah Nehls, MD, has seen an uptick in LASIK cases, specifically new patients seeking out this procedure. She said this is an interest- ing trend, and mask wearing gives those with glasses a new reason to pursue LASIK. They start to think about alternatives to improve their vision during their workday or when they're out where they need to wear a mask, she said. Dr. Nehls also thinks extra time could be a factor, where it may be less difficult to take the time off that is needed for refractive surgery. "They have more flexibility in their schedule," she said, adding that many may also be mak- ing time for more outdoor activities where not needing glasses or contacts could be an advan- tage. continued on page 72 continued from page 68 A busy day of LASIK at the Waring Vision Institute in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Interest in laser vision correction has increased since COVID-19, and the reasons are multifactorial, Dr. Waring said. Source: George Waring IV, MD

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