Q: What is LASIK?

A: Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is a surgical method that can lower an individual’s dependence on eye glasses or contact lenses. The method will permanently alter the form of the cornea which is the fragile clear covering in the front eye. LASIK eye surgery is done usually on individuals, who are nearsighted, an eye condition also called as myopia. LASIK method is an outpatient surgical method that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for every eye.

Q: How does the FDA control the LASIK?

A: In US, Food and Drug Administration regulates the sale of medical equipment and devices like the lasers that are used for the LASIK procedure. An individual or a company must ask for the approval from the FDA before they can sell a medical device or equipment legally in US. But the US FDA cannot regulate or control the physician’s methods and practices; cannot control the price or the amount the medical community can charge an individual for the LASIK method; cannot demand to give to their patients a copy of the laser manufacturer’s patient information booklet; cannot recommend doctors, clinics, or eye centers; or they cannot perform or provide a rating system on any medical equipment that they regulate.

Q: Who must not use LASIK?

A: You should not use LASIK eye surgery of you are afraid of potential risks, if it will compromise your work or career, if the cost is of concern to you, or if were required to modify your eye glass or contact lenses prescription in the previous year due to refractive instability, or if you have an illness or are undergoing medications that may have an impact on wound healing, or if you are engaging on a contact sports where blows to the face and eyes are normal procedure, or if you are below 18 years old.

Q: What precautions I should take before I undergo LASIK procedure?

A: The healthcare provider should examine or check the following condictions before you will undergo LASIK eye surgery:

• Inflammation of the eyelids with crusting of the eyelashes, a condition known as blepharitis
• Thin corneas or large pupils
• Past history of refractive procedure
• Dry eyes

Q: What should I tell my healthcare provider before I decide to undergo LASIK eye surgery?

A: Before going through a LASIK procedure, inform your healthcare provider if you have past cases of any of the following:

• Glaucoma or glaucoma suspect
• Herpes simplex or herpes zoster, also known as shingles around the area of the eyes
• Ocular hypertension
• Keratoconus
• Eye injuries or past eye injuries
• Eye ailments including uveits/iritis or inflammation of the eyes

Q: Is there any health risk related to LASIK eye surgery?

A: Even though most of the patients, who went through the LASIK procedure or other refractive surgery, there are still risks that entail:

• Losing the lines of vision
• Weakening of visual symptoms in its haloes, glare, or having double vision
• Serious dry eye syndrome
• Still needs to use eye glasses or contact lenses after the procedure
• Declining results with age. Since LASIK is a new technology, the long-term safety and effectiveness of this eye surgery is not yet known.

Q: What must I do if I think I have been injured as a result of the LASIK eye surgery?

A: If you or any of your family members suffered any harmful health effects or uncommon medical conditions after the LASIK or other refractive surgery, you must contact first your doctor or your healthcare provider. Then, you can find an experienced lawyer who can help you identify your options and safeguard your legal rights to remedy the injury you have sustained which was caused by the LASIK eye surgery.