Clinical implications for the optometrist when assessing post LASIK patients

Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) has dominated the field of refractive surgery in the new millennium with many patients opting for it as an alternative to spectacles or contact lenses. LASIK appears to have been largely successful from a patient’s perspective. Research in the area of refractive surgery has also been extensive with many studies highlighting the successes while others cautioning against its widespread use. Due to its popularity optometrists are bound to encounter patients that have had LASIK. Most often optometrists are not directly involved in the surgical process although some are involved in co-management. Irrespective of their involvement the optometrist should be knowledgeable in this field. This review highlights some aspects that all optometric clinicians should be aware of when managing post LASIK patients. (S Afr Optom 2013 72(4) 173-184)