Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery for a deaf patient: Communication strategies.

PURPOSE: To report a successful method of communication with deaf patients during topical anesthetic refractive surgery.

OBSERVATIONS: Nonverbal ways of communicating with deaf patients during cataract surgery have been reported. Here, we present a report of LASIK surgery for a deaf patient with topical anesthesia using similar communication methods.

CONCLUSION AND

IMPORTANCE

Creative communication methods can be effective for topical anesthetic LASIK surgery for deaf patients. Our report validates tactile communication as an alternative to general anesthesia for corneal refractive surgeries for this patient population.