FDA asks 5 LASIK Providers to Correct their Misleading Advertising

The US Food and Drug Administration recently sent warnings to five LASIK providers regarding improper advertising copy and promotional material, according to an FDA news release dated yesterday.

Advertising for LASIK must provide you with information about potential risks – you must be able to make informed decisions, based on both the benefits and risks of receiving the surgery.

LASIK eye surgery has effectively improved the vision of many people, but it does not come without risks. Eye surgeons have a duty to provide you with information about LASIK risks in their advertising and promotional material. These risks include:

• Dry eyes
• Halos, starbursts or glare, especially at night
• Corneal flap complications, including wrinkling
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Ocular infection

There are other possible complications you should ask your LASIK surgeon about; for the most part, serious complications are quite rare with this surgery, but it's still important to be aware of them and accept them as a possibility.

In addition, you should also have realistic expectations of what LASIK can and cannot achieve. Many patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, but there is no guarantee. You may still benefit from the use of glasses or contact lenses. Ask your surgeon about what results you can expect for your vision error and eye characteristics.

To learn more about possible LASIK risks and complications, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.