The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

First Reported LASIK Airbag Injury Case

26 October 2000

First Reported LASIK Airbag Injury Case: Ophthalmic Surgeon Urges Experience for LASIK Performance
    RIDGEWOOD, N.J., Oct. 25 Although it is widely
substantiated that airbag deployment in automobile collisions saves thousands
of lives, statistics demonstrate that airbag trauma is an unwelcome companion
to this mandated vehicle safety component.  Corneal specialist Richard A.
Norden, M.D., a board-certified refractive surgeon in Ridgewood, New Jersey,
who heads Norden Laser Eye Associates there, is lead author in the first
published report of airbag injury following the popular LASIK procedure.
    The case study, "Air Bag-induced Corneal Flap Folds after Laser In Situ
Keratomileusis," appeared in the August 2000 issue of the prestigious American
Journal of Ophthalmology (http://www.ajo.com).  It recaps an event where a
20-year-old male patient experienced a traumatic blow to the eye less than
three weeks after LASIK surgery and describes his resultant recovery after Dr.
Norden, a cornea specialist, repaired the affected area.
    "Airbag insult to this patient's right eye was so intense that it caused a
collection of reactions, including flap folds along the cornea, inflammation
within the eye, and swelling of both cornea and retina," notes Dr. Norden.
"Although LASIK had restored vision to almost normal in the right eye, close
to 20/20," he continues, "initial examination after the accident now showed
20/200 vision.  After a few days of rest and appropriate medication to reduce
swelling and other symptoms, this adjusted to 20/30 with persistent blurred
vision."  The journal article describes how the persistent corneal folds after
the accident required additional treatment.  Once the swelling subsided, Dr.
Norden repositioned the folds, restoring pre-accident corneal configuration
and clear vision.
    "It was necessary to reposition these folds because they would not have
resolved on their own," says Dr. Norden.  "Qualified and extensively
experienced ophthalmic surgeons, who have performed enough successful LASIK
procedures, can combine this experience with today's most advanced,
FDA-approved equipment.  The journal article gives credence to the concept
that when used by qualified ophthalmologists, LASIK provides a superb
foundation for successful outcome even after subsequent blunt trauma."
    According to Dr. Norden, publication of the article is significant because
it dovetails airbag awareness with an increasingly popular cosmetic surgical
procedure.  "LASIK cases number more than three million a year at this point,"
he says.  "Mandatory front airbags will soon be joined by side airbags in most
automobiles.  With so many patients opting for the kind of corneal correction
offered by LASIK without only topical anesthesia and only a minor surgical
incision, and so many people out there driving, there are bound to be further
cases like this.
    "Recovery from LASIK is rapid," he continues, "with most patients
operating vehicles and returning to normal everyday activity within 24 hours.
But," he continues, "trauma can occur, in an automobile, from falling, from a
physical altercation, or any other event where the eye meets with force.  If
the initial procedure is performed skillfully, it should be relatively easy to
repair any damage.  In this case, the original procedure's success allowed
only a fraction of a millimeter's movement of the cornea.
    "Although LASIK correction is classified as cosmetic, resulting in most
cases with patient ability to discard the need for wearing corrective
eyeglasses, reshaping the cornea has far-reaching clinical benefits of
virtually 'curing' astigmatism or nearsightedness," Dr. Norden says.  "The
bottom line is that patients can see better, with immediate results and
without further correction."  He notes that although the majority of patients
resume everyday activities quickly, it is advisable to postpone potential
high-impact pursuits such as windsurfing or water-skiing for several weeks and
to wear protective eyegear when involved in contact sports (karate,
kick-boxing, basketball, etc.) for at least one month.
    Dr. Norden urges patients considering LASIK to thoroughly research their
ophthalmologists' experience.  "This procedure should not be performed by
someone who has taken a weekend course," he notes.  "The majority of corneal
specialists have accrued thousands of hours' experience, are aware of
potential complications, and have performed many cases under supervision.  The
technology continues to improve, and the ophthalmology community anticipates
the case number to accelerate and it remains crucial to maintain the highest
level of clinical sharpness."
    Dr. Norden has performed LASIK on thousands of patients ages 18 to 83.  A
graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, he completed his
ophthalmology residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey,
and a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at New York Eye and Ear
Infirmary.  He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a
fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and president of the Cornea
and Keratorefractive Society of NJ. He has published journal articles and
contributed to textbooks in his specialty.