So what do you think of this laser eye surgery, doc?

One of the most common questions an ophthalmologist gets asked at dinner parties is the one about laser eye surgery. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, a lot of people wear glasses so the news of a medical breakthrough to save them from this task is a hot topic. Secondly, “laser eye surgery” can be purchased on the high street and is not currently available on the NHS. People want reassurance from a knowledgeable and hopefully neutral health professional about safety issues and prognosis. The usual answer to people's questions is a jumble of pros and cons, culminating in the retort “So why do you wear glasses then?”

Further confusion arises when people report that their grandmother had laser eye surgery for her cataracts, their diabetic brother had NHS laser eye surgery, and an uncle had laser treatment for age related macular degeneration, which turned him yellow. Pressures on the general doctor are increasing to have an understanding of the role of laser technology in the management of eye conditions. This in turn will reassure patients and not contribute to further confusion.

This article aims to clarify what types of “laser eye surgery” are available in ophthalmology and aid the doctor bombarded by a barrage of questions in the surgery or, indeed, over dinner.