Refractive Surgery Trends and Practice Style Changes in Germany Over a 3-year Period

Abstract

Refractive surgery practice styles and preferences in Germany are comparable to trends in other European countries. Although LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive procedure, the numbers of various surface ablation techniques and refractive intraocular lens procedures are increasing.

Long-term corneal wavefront aberration variations after photorefractive keratectomy for myopia and myopic astigmatism

“…Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive procedure worldwide according to various surveys on refractive surgery trends and practice style. [1][2][3][4][5] On the other hand, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is now gaining renewed interest because wavefront-guided PRK induces changes directly on the first surface of the cornea. [6][7][8] Photorefractive keratectomy continues to be the most commonly performed corneal refractive surgery procedure in the United States Air Force and Navy for nonaviators and aviators.…”

Influence of microkeratome parameters on the stromal bed and flap edge quality in laser in situ keratomileusis

“…It is one of the most used devices for mechanical flap preparation in LASIK procedure in Germany 13. An advantage is its special type of cutting (molding technique).…”

Visual outcome and contrast sensitivity after photorefractive keratectomy in low to moderate myopia: Wavefront-optimized versus conventional methods

“…1 Although laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is still the most common procedure, surface ablation procedures, including laser epithelial keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), have recently gained popularity because they eliminate flap-related complications and reduce the incidence of postoperative ectasia. 2,3 Other than the technique used by the surgeon, the make of the excimer laser and the ablation pattern might affect postoperative visual performance. 4 Wavefront technology and its application to laser refractive procedures have rapidly advanced in the past several years and are reported to improve the outcomes of refractive surgery over those with conventional spherocylindrical treatment methods.…”