FDA: To LASIK Or Not To LASIK

While lauding proven benefits of LASIK eye surgery, FDA warns patients need more info on risks besides a rare botched procedure, e.g., occasional side effects like 2b vision, seeing haloes, poor nite vision, stubborn eye pain.

The FDA’s concerns, Fox News says, was fueled by ongoing disagreements among eye experts themselves and input from patients “who felt they were not fully informed of the risks associated with the surgery.” The FDA’s resulting 25-page draft guidance suggests patients considering LASIK surgery be given a “decision checklist” describing the procedure as well as a list of the above-mentioned potential side effects.

Most people I’ve talked to over the years rave about the LASIK surgery they’ve had since it does away with wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses. Still, I do have a relative blinded in one eye after undergoing the procedure and my personal physician recommended that I take a pass on it due to my age & presence of an astigmatism. Dr. Kira Manusis, a corneal surgeon in the NY Mount Sinai Health System reminded that LASIK surgery has been helping people for over 25 years. “Over this time,” she said, “we have learned a lot about the risks but also enormous benefits of laser vision correction as compared to contact lens & related infections. We refractive surgeons have to do even better at screening patients who may not be candidates and have potential side effects, such as those who have underlying dry eye even prior to Lasik.”

Davd Soul