🚀 go-pugleaf

THE LASIK REPORT * A Scientist Investigates LASIK eye surgery.

August, 2006


LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries in the 
United States today.  The public perception of LASIK is based largely 
on advertising, which is intended to entice patients to have surgery 
without disclosing risks, side effects and contraindications.

The perceived benefits of LASIK surgery are obvious, whereas risks and 
adverse effects are not.  It is unwise to assume that a surgeon who 
has a financial interest in a patient's decision to have LASIK will 
provide adequate informed consent.

LASIK is irreversible and may result in long-term, debilitating 
complications.  There are permanent adverse effects of LASIK in 100% 
of cases, even in the absence of clinically significant 
complications.  This is unacceptable in the context of an elective 
surgery when safer alternatives such as glasses or contact lenses 
exist.

I.  BACKGROUND

In 1998, when the first laser received FDA approval for LASIK, little 
was known about complications and long-term safety of the procedure.  
Early clinical trials did not thoroughly examine adverse effects of 
LASIK.

Since that time, numerous medical studies have examined the risks of 
LASIK.  It is now widely reported in ophthalmic medical journals that 
complications such as dry eye and visual disturbances in low light are 
common, and that creation of the corneal flap permanently compromises 
tensile strength and biomechanical integrity of the cornea.

- - -

continued online at
http://www.theLASIKReport.com/