ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the actual size of the refractive surgery market in the United States and to identify factors involved in the decision to have refractive surgery. SETTING: World Wide Web. METHODS: A survey was placed on the World Wide Web. Questions covered price sensitivity, preferred type of refractive procedure, and factors involved in the decision to have a refractive procedure. RESULTS: Average age of respondents was 34 years; refractions ranged from -0.50 diopter (D) to -12.00 D. The recommendation of ophthalmologist, friends, and relatives; the refractive surgeon's credentials; and office staff were critical factors in the decision-making. Sixty-six percent said they would have a refractive procedure if it were free. Only two said they would have photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) if it cost over $1500 per eye; none would have radial keratotomy (RK) if it were over $1500 per eye. Forty-eight percent rated their opinion of PRK as high to very high; 45% rated RK as high to very high. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the actual number of refractive procedures performed with the laser will be the same as before-between 100,000 and 250,000 annually. The survey suggests that PRK will share this potential market with RK, and the total number of potential patients converting to PRK may be considerably less than predicted unless the price falls to $500 per eye.
