What does the body of evidence say on LASIK, the use of lasers to correct vision? Plus: many men on PreP are abandoning condoms as STIs are becoming more common, and Chris tells us if krill oil can cure arthritis of the knee. Also, Jonathan briefly imitates Alex Jones.

A Block: LASIK

(0:59) How lasers are used in medicine; LASIK and its cousins; how to choose; effectiveness, satisfaction, and side effects.

B Block: HIV PrEP and STIs

(28:18) How does pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV works, and what is simultaneously happening with condom use (going down) and rates of STIs (going up). Also, what is Doxy-PEP?

C Block: Krill Oil for Knee Osteoarthritis

(44:45) An Australian trial of krill oil for arthritis of the knee came to the conclusion that… well, what do you think?

* Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

* Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova

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References:

Comparisons of LASIK and its related techniques:

1) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174810

2) DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2007.07.026

3) DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.131748

4) DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.03.013

5) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012687.pub2

Outcomes from LASIK:

6) DOI: 10.1016/s0161-6420(99)00148-7

7) DOI: 10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00528-5

8) doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.4587

UpToDate entries pertaining to HIV, PrEP, and Doxy-PEP:

9) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-pre-exposure-prophylaxis

10) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/primary-care-of-gay-men-and-men-who-have-sex-with-men

11) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/prevention-of-sexually-transmitted-infections

12) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-infection-risk-factors-and-prevention-strategies

13) Statistics Canada survey of sexually active 15-to-24-year-olds: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2020009/article/00001-eng.htm

14) Increased rates of STIs according to Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/report-sexually-transmitted-infection-surveillance-canada-2019.html

15) Systematic review and meta-analysis on sexual risk behaviour in men who use PrEP: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciy182

16) Australian trial on krill oil for knee osteoarthritis: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.6063

It’s Not Twitter But It’ll Do:

1) Jonathan’s article about Lumina to avoid dental cavities: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-critical-thinking-technology/reports-death-dental-cavities-are-greatly-exaggerated

2) The Skeptics’ Dictionary: https://www.skepdic.com/