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Photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive error

Guidance issued Guidance issued
 
IP Guidance Number: IPG164
 
Summary:

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales 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).
Arrangements:

Other (see guidance)
Topic Area:

Eye
Surgical procedures
Specialty:

Ophthalmology
Specialist advice has
been sought from:
Date notified to NICE: 28 August 2003
Provisional Consultation Date: Summer 2005
Guidance Publication Date: 22 March 2006
Contact Details:
Project Manager
(for general enquiries or comments)		 Ben Doak
ip@nice.org.uk
Technical Lead
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments) 		Steven Barnes
ip@nice.org.uk
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
Links:

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