25% (one in four). Percent of patients undergoing tests for Lasik who are found to be poor candidates for Lasik eye surgery. “Here's the real rub: One in four patients who seeks Lasik and undergoes a battery of pre-surgery testing is deemed a poor candidate. Maybe the cornea is too thin, or the pupils too large, or nearsightedness too severe, or their expectations unrealistic. But it's not clear just how many patients get screened appropriately, and some forge ahead anyway. ‘Some patients are just not a cornea laser eye surgery patient,’ stresses Dr. Kerry Solomon of the Medical University of South Carolina, a spokesman for the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery. ‘There are still other options for them. And some are, quite frankly, better suited to staying with their glasses and contacts.’” (Associated Press, “Tired of wearing glasses? Afraid of Lasik? There are options,” Capital - Annapolis, Annapolis, Maryland, May 11, 2008)
25%. Percent of rejected prospective Lasik patient candidates reported by one Lasik eye surgeon. “In his practice at the Medical University of South Carolina's Storm Eye Institute, [Dr. Kerry Solomon, a Charleston, S.C., eye surgeon] said he spends two hours briefing a prospective patient on the risks and testing their eyes to make sure the operation has a high chance of success. Based on the results, Solomon said, he turns away every fourth patient.” (Jonathan D. Rockoff, “FDA to review Lasik eye surgery side effects,” Baltimore Sun, published in the Los Angeles Times, April 26, 2008)
20% - 30%. Percent of Lasik applicants who are rejected. “‘Twenty [percent] to 30% of people who walk in to get Lasik get sent away without it,’ says [Dr. Jayne Weiss, director of refractive surgery at the Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine], who chaired the [FDA] ophthalmic devices panel. ‘In my practice, it's closer to 50%.’” (Valerie Ulene, “FDA to study Lasik's long-term effects on lifestyle,” Los Angeles Times, June 16, 2008)
