[Evaluation and quality assurance of refractive surgery procedures by the German Ophthalmological Society and the Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists. Status: May 2011]

Abstract

The Commission of Refractive Surgery (KRC), which is a combined commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA), has made an up-to-date evaluation of the operative techniques for correction of refraction errors. In the revised guidelines drawn up by the KRC for evaluation and safeguarding the quality of refractive surgical procedures the description, area of application, limitations, side-effects and complications of each procedure are given according to the published scientific literature. By this means a comprehensive explanation for and investigation of patients should be safeguarded, optimal treatment results achieved and complications avoided. In this article all relevant forms of refractive surgery (photorefractive keratectomy, LASEK, EPI-LASIK, LASIK, Femto-LASIK, RELEX, conductive keratoplasty, astigmatic keratotomy, limbal relaxing incisions, intracorneal ring segments, corneal cross-linking, phakic intraocular lenses, refractive lens exchange, corneal presbyopia implants, INTRACOR) are described in detail and quality guidelines are established. Refractive surgical care and additional medical services possibly arising prior to or following this treatment are not basically covered by the statutory health insurance (GKV).