ISRS 2012 U.S. Trends Survey

The 2012 U.S. Trends in Refractive Surgery Survey was completed by the ISRS membership in October 2012 with a 34% response rate. This was the sixteenth year of U.S. surgeon data collection and allows ISRS members from the United States to have their voices heard on refractive surgery.

Download the 2012 U.S. Trends Survey Presentation (PDF)

Summary of Results

• About 35% penetration of modern refractive surgery amongst refractive surgeons, which is 3-4 times the general population. Family Index rates also continue to be high despite mixed press re: LVC in the public media a few years ago.
• 25% of respondents are OK with bilateral P-IOL and 5% with bilateral RLE at the same surgical setting (down from last year).
• Multifocal IOL (15%) over accommodative IOL (4%) as a preferred lens-based presbyopia option when used for RLE (stable).
• Femtosecond laser use still on the rise (66%).
• Thinner flaps still on the rise: 100 micron or less flaps are favored by 57% of surgeons (up from 12% in ‘04).
• Preferred RSB thickness stable: 40% think 250 microns is adequate, but 60% recommend 275 microns or more.
• New post-LASIK ectasia cases continue to be on the decline with 50% stating no cases of their own patients in their career.
• Pentacam (41%) and Z-H (43%) about equal and Orbscan II down (26%) from last year.
• LVC Volume down 8% within ISRS/AAO membership in 2012 relative to 2010 and down even greater from last year.
• Ratio of Surface Ablation / Total LVC stable at 29% over past two years.
• During cataract surgery 80% of surgeons will offer to correct astigmatism if it measures 1.0 D or more.
• LRI/AK preferred (80%) if K astigmatism < 1.0D.
• Toric IOL preferred (76%) if K astigmatism > 1.12D.
• CXL offered by 16% of ISRS members surveyed in the U.S.