VSRN was recently interviewed by a foreign television corporation and a well-known, national news magazine. It's interesting to reflect on the diverse nature of the two interviews. The foreign TV network is concerned about the number of people in their country who have had significant complications following refractive surgery. The American news magazine was not particularly interested in patients whose lives have been adversely affected by vision surgery. The interviewer was mostly looking for ways that negative results could be avoided (i.e. who should not have surgery).

In regards to the latter, in all the years that I have examined and corresponded with RS casualties, one thing has been obvious: Patients with complications from refractive surgery do not all have obvious pre-operative contra-indications for surgery. Yes, many had pre-existing dry eye, too high a prescription, overly large pupils, binocularity problems - all of which exacerbated the problems with their post-RS vision and comfort. However, I would estimate that HALF of all RS casualties have no contra-indications for surgery.

This fact seemed of no interest to the national news magazine interviewer. The article, no doubt, will be a typical LASIK article, extolling the virtues of new technology. It didn't seem to interest the interviewer that many of you are "newbies," having had wavefront or topographically-designed procedures. The real story, the real reason VSRN is here, is to assist patients whose post-operative situation falls well short of their needs and expectations. This story, your story, is increasingly difficult to get out. Refractive surgery complications are now considered practically eliminated.

"Refractive surgery complications are now considered practically eliminated" They should have spoken to me then.... recently operated and zero night vision and completely dependable on drops.