Just returned from the AAO. Ectasia, as has been discussed earlier on
this site, is more prevalent than what is being discussed publicly.
Surgeons who are concerned are moving towards PRK for certain "higher
risk" patients. One focus group of twenty surgeons that I sat in with,
were polled on what procedure they would have. All said that they
would have PRK.

Addition Technologies, the manufacturer of INTACS prescription
inserts, is experiencing solid revenue growth due to INTACS for both
the treatment of post-LASIK ectasia, keratoconus, and now low myopia
(its original indication). Addition is a privately held company, but
from what I could gather, INTACS may be the fastest growing refractive
procedure in the US.

From talking to their reps, Post-LASIK ectasia is being experienced
across the board - high and low volume LASIK practices, and without
regard to years of experience. I was reminded of Dr.Michel
Kritzinger's comment, before he was killed, in 2000 when he stated
publicly that Intacs would prove to be the life bouy for LASIK.
Kritzinger was a highly regarded, high volume LASIK surgeon from South
Africa.

Ectasia continues to be the elephant in the room that no one wants to
talk about.