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Apr 24, 2008 4:15 pm US/Eastern
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Health: Lasik Vision Correction Surgery
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The government will hear about safety concerns regarding the popular Lasik vision correction surgery. It is estimated 12 million Americans have had Lasik. On Friday, the FDA will hear from Lasik eye surgeons, as well as disgruntled patients.
Unhappy Lasik patients complain of double and blurred vision, and dry eyes.
"I certainly regret having it. I think it was the worst thing that ever happened to me," said Roger Davis, who got Lasik in 1998.
"This is the worst experience of my life," said Dean Andrew Kantis, who had Lasik in 1999.
Lasik uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea. Millions of people eagerly paid up to five thousand dollars to be able to see without glasses or contacts. Between 1998 and 2006, the FDA received 140 reports of Lasik-related problems.
"It's been hell from the very first day after Lasik," said Michael Patterson, who had Lasik in 2000.
The Society of Eye Surgeons who perform Lasik say satisfaction rates are at 95 percent, most side effects are rare and temporary.
"I tell them they're not a good candidate," said Dr. Robert Cykiert, a Lasik Surgeon. He says some people shouldn't have the procedure especially if the patients pupil is too large or the cornea too thin.
"I turn away approximately 20 percent of patients who are interested in having surgery," said Dr. Cykiert.
Tomorrow's FDA Advisory meeting is basically informational. The agency has no authority over how doctors handle patients. But it will be part of a study on safety and satisfaction of Lasik patients. There's no word on when the results will be available.
RELATED LINKS:FDA Lasik Information-
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/FDA Meeting Information-
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/cdrh08.html#Ophthalmic
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