The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued another warning to LASIK eye surgery providers to stop making false claims and promises about the procedure.

In a letter to about 90,000 eye care professionals, the FDA said they had 90 days to update or change any advertising or promotional materials that make false claims. After this, the agency will take action against them.

The agency didn’t give any examples of these claims, but in the past it has criticized LASIK surgeons for claiming that nearsighted people can “throw away their glasses,” or for omitting information about risks of the surgery.

LASIK involves reshaping the cornea with a laser to improve vision. The risks of the procedure are small. However, the procedure can result in vision loss, under- or over-correction of vision, dry eye, infection, glare, halos and/or double vision.  There is a long informed consent form that you should review carefully with your physician.

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, which supports the FDA’s crack down, suggests consumers ask their eye doctors for a referral to whomever “they would use” for LASIK, and to avoid doctors who aren’t board-certified and experienced in the latest and safest technology for the procedure.

I had LASIK surgery two years ago.  It was a real life-changer for me, as I no longer am tied to weekly-wear contact lenses that pose other risks to your eyes.  My ophthalmologic surgeon was Dr. Jay Lustbader, Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery for the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Lustbader and his staff spent hours evaluating and re-evaluating my eyes to determine whether I was a suitable candidate for the procedure.  I opted to get a mono-vision provision that lets me read without reading glasses, but I need corrective glasses for night driving.  This was set out for me before the procedure and my expectations and limitations were clearly discussed.

Consumers who are considering LASIK need to keep their eyes open and their wallets closed until they check out a LASIK surgeon’s credentials.  Spend time doing the research.  Ask friends and colleagues about their experience.  Most assuredly, ask important questions related to realistic outcomes and risks.

 

Robert Jenner brings to the My Advocates medical and legal team more than 26 years experience representing injured consumers nation-wide against the manufacturers of dangerous prescription drugs, defective medical devices, tainted blood products, and other unsafe products. Mr. Jenner has been honored by his peers for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Maryland’s Super Lawyers”(named in Top 50). READ FULL BIO