[First Brazilian refractive surgery survey].

PURPOSE To perform the first Brazilian refractive surgery survey. METHODS Between August 2001 and February 2002, a questionnaire was mailed to 7890 Brazilian ophthalmologists. The questionnaire presented questions about demographic aspects, technology, instruments, market, trends, practice patterns and cost of refractive surgery. RESULTS Nine hundred and twenty questionnaires (11.67%) were answered. LASIK is the preferred technique for correction between +5.00 and -7.00 D. The mostly used excimer laser is Nidek EC 5000, and Hansatome is the mostly used microkeratome. Others aspects like: demographic, techniques, practice patterns, trends, market, and pre-, intra- and postoperative care, were analyzed. CONCLUSION With this survey, the Brazilian ophthalmologists can observe and monitor these aspects of refractive surgery in Brazil, and compare them with others surveys.