LASIK Weathers Pop from Culture

Lately, LASIK has suffered something of a black eye (a condition, alas, it can’t treat with itself).

First, there is the ongoing quest by a former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official who was instrumental in the agency’s approval for laser vision correction surgery to now have the FDA crack down on LASIK and warn the public about “the epidemic of permanent vision problems” resulting from LASIK.

Perhaps the accusations of Morris Waxler—who retired from the FDA in 2000—that LASIK does not enjoy the statistical success rate many claim inspired the attention-getting scene in the trailer for the upcoming film Final Destination 5, which features death by vision correction laser. The FDA, in fact, is in the midst of a collaborative, three-year study focusing on patients’ post-LASIK quality of life and factors that might contribute to vision disorders; as yet, there is no investigation as to why there are five Final Destination films.

Meanwhile, in the new memoir Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin, a former aide of the short-term Alaska governor and possible presidential candidate claims that Palin continues to wear glasses following LASIK surgery in order to appear more intelligent.

While it is true that many glasses-wearers choose LASIK in part to eliminate the need for corrective eyewear, it is also true that many who undergo LASIK surgery continue to require the use of glasses or contacts. Still, one may assume that Palin’s LASIK was a success as she was able to observe Russia from her house in Wasilla, Alaska, some 700 miles away.

As for LASIK itself, it remains a popular, effective and safe procedure. Hundreds of thousands of people each year choose laser vision correction surgery, and most studies peg the success rate and patient satisfaction rate with LASIK upward of 95 percent.

A consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist will determine is LASIK is a viable treatment for your vision disorder.

If you would like to learn more about vision correction options with LASIK or locate an ophthalmologist near you, please contact The LASIK Directory.