ESCRS - PO247 - LASIK: ACCEPTABLE OR NON ACCEPTABLE, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AMONG YOUNG PATIENTS IN ALBANIA?

LASIK: ACCEPTABLE OR NON ACCEPTABLE, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AMONG YOUNG PATIENTS IN ALBANIA?

Published 2025 - 29th ESCRS Winter Meeting

Reference: PO247 | Type: Presented Poster & Poster | DOI: 10.82333/8xv8-rn38

Authors: Ermal Simaku* 1 , Brisilda Danaj 1

1Deparment of ophthalmology,University Hospital “Mother Theresa”,Tirana,Albania

Purpose

* To assess the acceptability of LASIK among young patients (ages 18-35) in Albania.

* To identify factors influencing their decision-making.

* To assess the level of awareness of LASIK among young patients in Albania.

* To identify sources of information and common misconceptions.

Setting

International Clinic”, Tirana,Albania and “University Hospital of Mother Teresa”, Tirana, Albania

Methods

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey from 1 February- 1 September 2024

* Sample Size is 300 young patients aged 18-35 that has done visit in “International Clinic”, Tirana and “University Hospital of Mother Teresa”,Tirana Albania

* Data Collection: Questionnaires assessing attitudes, concerns, willingness to undergo LASIK, knowledge and sources of information about LASIK.

Results

Willingness to Consider LASIK:

* Willing to Consider: 62%

* Not Willing: 38%

2. Concerns Among Non- Accepting Patients:

* Safety concerns: 45%

* Cost-related issues: 35%

* Fear of complications: 30%

* Lack of information: 20%

 

3. Factors Influencing Acceptability:

* Recommendations from healthcare providers: 50%

* Previous knowledge/experience: 40%

* Family and friends' opinions: 30%

 

4. Awareness Levels:

* Heard of LASIK: 70%

* Knowledgeable About LASIK: 35% (understood the procedure and its risks).

5. Sources of Information:

* Ophthalmologists: 40%

* Social Media: 30%

* Family and Friends: 20%

* Other (websites, advertisements): 10%

6. Common Misconceptions:

* Belief that LASIK is only for young people: 25%

* Misunderstanding about recovery time:
20%

* Perception that LASIK is unsafe: 15%

Conclusion

Key Findings: LASIK is generally acceptable among young patients, but significant concerns remain. While awareness of LASIK is present, a significant portion of young patients lacks comprehensive knowledge.

* Recommendations: Enhance educational efforts to address safety and cost concerns, promoting informed decision-making. Develop targeted educational initiatives to enhance understanding and address misconceptions.