FDA Advisory Panel on Lasik

Back in April of this year, a panel of medical advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration met to hear testimony from lasik patients who were dissatisfied with the outcomes of their surgeries. Among their conclusions, the panel recommended more detailed warnings with regard to the risks associated with lasik surgery. Some of the specific recommendations included using photos to illustrate visual side effects a patient might be subject to, clarifying how often patients suffer side effects and making the conditions that disqualify a person from lasik more understandable to prospective lasik patients.

Here is part of an article describing the April 2008 meeting:

“In fury and despair, patients harmed by Lasik eye surgery told federal health advisers Friday of severe eye pain, blurred vision and even a son’s suicide. The advisers recommended that the government warn more clearly about the risks of the hugely popular operations.

About 700,000 Americans a year undergo the elective laser surgery. Like golf star and famed Lasik recipient Tiger Woods, they’re hoping to throw away their glasses, just as the ads say.

And while the vast majority benefit (most see 20-20 or even better) about one in four people who seeks Lasik is not a good candidate. A small fraction, perhaps 1 percent or fewer, suffer serious, life-changing side effects: worse vision, severe dry eye, glare, inability to drive at night.”

Read the rest of the article covering the advisory panel meeting here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24277759/

While this story isn’t exactly the latest breaking news about lasik surgery, it is still very much worth reading. If you are considering undergoing lasik, be sure to take a look at it.