ISRS 2010 U.S. Trends Survey

The 2010 U.S. Trends in Refractive Surgery Survey was completed by the ISRS membership in October 2010 with a 20% response rate. This was the fourteenth year of U.S. surgeon data collection and allows ISRS members from the United States to have their voices heard on refractive surgery issues.

Download the 2010 U.S. Trends Survey Presentation (PDF)

Summary of Results

• LVC Volume up 9% within ISRS membership in 2010 relative to 2009.
• Ratio of Surface Ablation / Total LVC increased from 15% to 24% over past year.
• VisX 2:1 (60%) over Wavelight (34%) which is on the rise. About 39% penetration of modern refractive surgery amongst refractive surgeons; 4-5 times the general population. Family Index rates also continue to be high despite mixed bad press in the general public media.
• 18% of respondents are OK with bilateral P-IOL and 8% with bilateral RLE at the same surgical setting (unchanged).
• Multifocal IOL 13% over accommodative IOL 9% as a preferred lens-based presbyopia option when used for RLE.
• Femtosecond laser use on the rise (55%).
• Thinner flaps on the rise; 100 micron or less flaps are favored by 48% of surgeons (up from 12% in ‘04).
• RSB Thickness on the rise; 45% still think 250 microns is adequate, but 54% recommend 275 microns or more.
• New post-LASIK ectasia continue on the decline.