NVISION Laser Eye Centers Founder Tom Tooma, MD Embraces Long-Awaited FDA Report on LASIK Safety

NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 27, 2014) - Results reported by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)  on a long-awaited comprehensive prospective, multi-center study on the safety and efficacy of LASIK were well-received by refractive surgeons in attendance at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting held in Chicago, according to Tom Tooma, MD, Founder of NVISION Laser Eye Centers and one of four NVISION refractive surgeons in attendance at AAO last week.

"This report will provide reassurance to potential LASIK patients who may be hesitant to have their vision corrected due to fear or concerns about safety or results." 

The study surveyed patients regarding their visual symptoms and quality of life before and three months after LASIK surgery. The FDA report confirms that over 95% of the survey respondents achieved 20/20 or better binocular vision. The study also indicated that the prevalence of symptoms such as ghosting, glare, halos, and starburst did not increase postoperatively after LASIK.

"We're obviously extremely pleased with the favorable results reported by the FDA in the extensive study," said Dr. Tooma, who indicated this was the most comprehensive study of patient-reported outcomes after LASIK ever conducted. "This report will provide reassurance to potential LASIK patients who may be hesitant to have their vision corrected due to concerns about safety or results."

Malvina B. Eydelman, MD, Director, Division of Ophthalmic Device Evaluation, FDA, reported the results at AAO as part of the LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project (LQOLCP), a partnership with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Eye Institute (NEI), incorporating data from questionnaires PROWL-1 and PROWL-2 (Patient reported outcomes with LASIK).

The results were also embraced by the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA), of which Dr. Tooma, is a member.

"The Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA) is grateful to the FDA, NIH, and DOD for conducting this comprehensive study," said Dr. Lance Kugler, president of the RSA. "The data confirms what patients and their refractive surgeons have known for many years: That LASIK is a safe and effective treatment for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism."

Approximately 16 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States over the past two decades. "I have performed more than 100,000 LASIK surgeries myself," says Dr. Tooma. "At NVISION Laser Eye Centers, we have the most experienced surgeons who utilize the best technology available, which translates into predictability and better outcomes. More than 98% of our patients will see 20/20 with their first LASIK surgery."

About NVISION Laser Eye Centers

NVISION Laser Eye Centers is an innovative leader in lifestyle surgical eye care with 17 locations nationwide. NVISION is one the first providers nationally to offer LASIK eye surgery with the Swiss-engineered Ziemer Femto LDV™ Crystal Line Laser. In addition, NVISION was also one of the first to offer the bladeless, computer-controlled LenSx laser -- unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for laser cataract surgery.

With more than 1700 eye doctors who refer their patients and trust their own eyes to NVISION surgeons, NVISION Laser Eye Centers is the Eye Doctors' #1 Choice®. For more information, visit www.NVISIONCenters.com or call 1-877-91NVISION (1-877-916-8474).

About the Refractive Surgery Alliance

The Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA) is a professional organization formed in early 2014 by leading refractive surgeons from the US and Europe. It is member supported and does not accept industry or corporate funds. The mission of the RSA is to increase access to refractive surgery through education, research and industry leadership. Membership is open to all qualified refractive surgeons. For more information, please visit www.RefractiveAlliance.com.