Refractive surgical practices in persons with human immunodeficiency virus positivity or acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Eyeworld


Investigators here wanted to feel out what refractive practices were currently doing with regard to performing elective surgery on those who had either tested positive for HIV or, who had Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Of the 285 practitioners who responded to an anonymous, web-based survey emailed to members of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, 50.2% said that they were willing to consider those with HIV positive status as candidates, while just 35% said that they would consider performing elective surgery on those with AIDS. Of those who would perform the surgery, 72.7% claimed that they take extra precautions in such cases, such as wearing double layers of gloves, and evacuating the laser plume immediately after surgery. They also said that they would limit any procedures to one eye and would make sure that the surgery was the last on the schedule for the day in such patients.