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Corrective laser surgery is increasing in popularity in China, despite the fact that the long-term side effects of such treatments are unknown.
According to Chang Zheng, director of ophthalmology department at AIER Eye Hospital in Guangzhou, there is a major problem of over-commercialisation of corrective
laser eye surgery in the country.
A member of the Chinese Ophthalmologic Society, Mr Zheng told the World News caution should be exercised when it comes to administering the
vision correction procedure as "it's medical surgery after all".
Mr Zheng added: "Unlike other medical surgeries,
laser eye surgery mostly relies on machines. The demand for a surgeon's skill is relatively low."
But the care being taken over such procedures in China has come under scrutiny after an anonymous surgeon told Dahe Health News that he had performed as many as 180 procedures in a single day.
"It's like a production line, "he added.
The startling figure may encourage people in the region to consider the alternatives to
corrective laser surgery - such as Ortho K's overnight corrective lenses, which as well as correcting short-sightedness, avoid the potentially permanent side-effects associated with
laser eye surgery.
According to the Global Times, more than 400 million people in China suffer from short-sightedness - also known as myopia - making it the country with the biggest short-sightedness problem on the planet.
Every single year, around 700,000 people in China opt for corrective
laser eye surgery.
Recently, an expert in corrective
laser eye surgery recommended that people take care of their eyes while at work as a means of reducing their risk of developing short-sightedness.
Writing for Asia One, Dr Lee Sao Bing claimed blurred vision, irritation and headaches are the most obvious signs of eyestrain in the workplace - all of which can lead to more permanent damage if not dealt with appropriately.
Written by Will Stevenson
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