LASIK Eye Surgery FAQ
Q: What is LASIK?
A: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea, which is the delicate clear covering on the front of the eye. LASIK eye surgery is performed most often on people who have nearsightedness (myopia). LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure that normally takes 10 to 15 minutes for each eye.
Q: How does the FDA regulate LASIK?
A: In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the sale of medical devices, such as the lasers used for LASIK. A person or company must seek FDA approval before legally selling a medical device in the United States. However, the FDA does not have authority to regulate a doctor's practice, to set the amount a doctor can charge for LASIK eye surgery, to "insist" that potential patients are provided with the laser manufacturer's patient information booklet, to make recommendations for individual doctors, clinics, or eye centers, or to conduct or provide a rating system on any medical device it regulates.
Q: Who should not use LASIK?
A: You should probably not undergo LASIK if you are not a risk taker, if it will jeopardize your career, if cost is an issue, if you required a change in your contact lens or glass prescription in the past year (have refractive instability), if you have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing, if you actively participate in contact sports in which blows to the face and eyes are a normal occurrence, or if you are not an adult (under the age of 18).
Q: What precautions should I take before undergoing LASIK eye surgery?
A: Your healthcare professional should screen for the following conditions before you undergo LASIK eye surgery: blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids with crusting of the eyelashes), large pupils, thin corneas, previous refractive surgery, and dry eyes.
Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before undergoing LASIK eye surgery?
A: Before undergoing LASIK eye surgery, tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of any of the following conditions: herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles) involving the eye area; glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension; eye diseases, such as uveits/iritis (inflammation of the eye); eye injuries or previous eye injuries; or keratoconus.
Q: Are there any health risks associated with LASIK eye surgery?
A: While most patients are pleased with the results of LASIK or other refractive surgery, there are risks involved. These include losing lines of vision, developing debilitating visual symptoms (glare, haloes, double vision), still having to use glasses or contact lenses after surgery, developing severe dry eye syndrome, or diminishing results with age. Because LASIK is a relatively new technology, the long-term safety and effectiveness of this procedure is still unknown.
Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of undergoing LASIK eye surgery?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous health effects or unusual medical conditions after undergoing LASIK or other refractive surgery, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by a LASIK procedure. To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.
Most content above from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration