DUBLIN, September 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) today launches LASIK Safe in Our Hands (http://www.LASIKSafeinOurHands.com), a new awareness campaign to ensure that people considering laser vision correction have access to accurate, up-to-date information. The need for better information about laser refractive eye surgery is brought into focus by the results of a recent survey of 1,000 people across Europe (Opinion Health, 2010). It showed that over 80% of respondents had reservations about the procedure. Approximately two out of three people cited some degree of fear at the prospect of laser vision correction as the reason for their caution, while about a third said that they would need more information. This contrasts sharply with the views of people who have already experienced the benefits of LASIK who were almost unanimous in their endorsement of the procedure - a staggering 98% confirmed that they would recommend it to someone else.

ESCRS President José Güell, a leading eye surgeon from Barcelona, Spain remarked, LASIK can be a life changing procedure, but these survey results show that people do not understand just how safe and effective modern LASIK is in the hands of a well qualified and experienced laser eye surgeon. We hope that our new campaign, LASIK Safe in Our Hands will help to bridge the information gap so that more people might benefit from good vision without glasses or contact lenses.

ESCRS has designated 2010 to be the European Year of LASIK, marking the 20th anniversary of the first LASIK surgery in 1990 by Greek eye surgeon Ioannis Pallikaris. Currently 3.5 million LASIK surgeries are carried out each year in Europe and it is the most common form of laser eye surgery to correct long-sight, short-sight and astigmatism.

The survey also highlighted that over 70% of Europeans think that wearing glasses or contact lenses makes it difficult to participate in some sports and nearly 75% think that wearing glasses is inconvenient in different weather conditions. Buying and replacing glasses and contact lenses is perceived to be expensive by 84% of people taking part in the survey, but only about a third think that laser eye surgery provides a cheaper alternative if the cost is spread over a ten year period. However, for many people, LASIK will be the less expensive option over this time period.

Notes to Editors

See videos and further background information available to download at: http://www.oursocialmedia.com/uk/escrs-uk/lasiksafeinourhands

LASIK Safe in Our Hands: http://www.LASIKSafeinOurHands.com

About the survey:

The survey was carried out online by Opinion Health in May 2010. One thousand people took part - 200 from each of five participating countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK).

About ESCRS:

Founded in 1991, ESCRS is Europe's leading professional society for cataract and refractive surgeons and is at the forefront of developments in anterior segment surgery. Anterior segment surgery refers to surgery of the front third of the eye which includes the cornea, iris and lens.

The ESCRS currently has 5,000 members from over 90 different countries worldwide. The ESCRS offers a unique forum for discussion and learning which ensures that international expertise is shared by ophthalmic surgeons all over Europe.

For more information please see ESCRS main website: http://www.escrs.org

About LASIK:

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most frequently-performed type of laser surgery to correct short-sight (myopia), long-sight (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

To be eligible for LASIK, people should be at least 21 years of age, have healthy eyes and be in good general health. Vision should not have deteriorated significantly over the previous two to three years.

LASIK is not generally recommended for people with eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and herpes eye infection and it may not be suitable for people with other medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or for those receiving treatment with some medicines, such as oral steroids.

Patients should consult their ophthalmic surgeon to discuss whether LASIK is a suitable option for them.

SOURCE: European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

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