Quality of life assessment before and after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Objective: To assess the health-related quality of life in patients who underwent conventional laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: Eighty-five patients who underwent LASIK at the Excimer Unit at Siriraj Hospital were enrolled in the study. They were asked to complete a quality of life questionnaire before and after having an operation at 1, 3 and 6 months. The details of the questionnaire were published elsewhere. The questionnaire included 19 items in four categories and one independent item. Paired t-test, non parametric test and repeated measures were performed to compare pre- and post-operation results. Results: Of the total, there were 51 females (58.6%). Patients’ ages ranged from 16-50 years, with a mean age of 30.7 ± 8.7 (years ± SD). Cronbach’ alpha coefficients of the questionnaire were 0.74-0.81. In one-month (n=67), three-month (n=42) and 6-month (n=14) follow-ups, patients tended to score better on visual tasks and had a significantly better score satisfaction and emotional feeling domain. However, their score on the eye symptoms domain was worse after one month and got better after three months. In general, patients were satisfied with the results of the operation on follow-ups. Conclusion: The quality of life for patients undergoing LASIK has improved. Patients have better uncorrected vision, with more satisfaction and emotional feeling. Although they have more eye symptoms resulting from the operation, they were very satisfied with the results.