Refractive Surgery Council Reports 32% YTD Increase in Laser Vision Correction Procedure Volume over 2020

The Refractive Surgery Council (RSC) reported laser vision correction (LVC) procedure volume for Q4 2021 at 190,509, marking a year-to-date increase of 32 percent over 2020. The total procedure volume for 2021 topped 833,000 for the first time since RSC began tracking LASIK, SMILE and PRK procedures in 2015, demonstrating a significant consumer shift toward refractive surgery options to glasses and contacts.

“We can confidently state LASIK, SMILE and other laser vision correction procedures are trending upwards. Looking at the historical data, it is clear 2021’s performance is reflective of a renewed consumer interest in and demand for the procedures, not just about catching up from pandemic-related disruptions,” RSC Chairman Jim Wachtman, said in a news release. “Given the trend in people prioritizing their personal goals, we are very optimistic about 2022.”

Today, there are many options in LVC to suit a significant portion of the 165 million American adults who need vision correction.  The most popular procedures include LASIK, SMILE and PRK each of which use sophisticated computer-guided laser technology to reshape the cornea to improve its ability to focus.

RSC’s procedure volume report is based upon utilization data gathered from the industry’s leading refractive device manufacturers, providing a valuable market performance indicator for the sector.