The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has raised concerns today about the long-term safety of laser eye surgery.
The body has issued guidelines for the NHS on laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of refractive errors (short and long-sightedness) to determine whether it is safe enough and works well enough for routine use within the NHS.
NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing guidance on treatments and care for those using the NHS in England and Wales.
The guidance states that current evidence on LASIK for the treatment of refractive errors does not appear to support its use within the NHS without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.
They call on clinicians to ensure that patients fully understand the specific risks associated with the procedure and to provide them with clear written information. Clinicians should have adequate training to perform the technique and collect longer-term follow-up data to reduce the uncertainty surrounding the procedure.
Richard Follis, an expert in clinical negligence and Partner at Alexander Harris solicitors said: 'We have had numerous legal enquiries relating to laser eye surgery. Patients report that that they have suffered consequences from the near devastating through to minor. Complaints include poor night vision, dry-eyes, unbearable pain making it difficult to work, drive and carry out everyday activities. In our experience patients can sometimes have too little time with their surgeon to discuss possible complications. GMC guidelines make clear that the patient should decide once he or she knows the risks that are important to them as individuals. It is no longer to be left to the doctor to decide. Patients who undergo such elective surgery should be given a full explanation of the potential risks by suitably qualified staff that have performed a full assessment of the patient's condition. This is not best left until the waiting room is full and the surgeon is under pressure to start the list"
Last year the Medical Defences Union (MDU), reported that the number of laser eye surgery negligence claims reported by their members had increased by 166 per cent over the last six years. The largest insurer for UK doctors, the MDU reported that laser eye surgery cases now account for a third of all ophthalmology claims.
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