Dear Editor:
Consumers are being inundated with advertisements touting the benefits of Lasik eye surgery – the newest procedure to correct refractive vision problems. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been receiving an increasing number of complaints about complications associated with this elective surgery and, to a lesser degree, about the lack of advertising disclosures about the attendant risks.
Since the laser used in Lasik eye surgery was approved in 1995 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), laser eye centers and surgeons have sprouted up nationwide to cash in on the trend. There are more than 900 laser centers today, compared with 300 in 1996. All are working to attract their share of the more than 1.5 million eyes expected to have refractive laser eye surgery this year, up from 105,000 eyes in 1996. Five years from now, surgeons are expected to perform laser surgery on more than 3 million eyes.
The FTC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) are issuing a Consumer Alert, Getting the Clear Picture on Lasik Eye Surgery, to educate consumers about what they can expect before they sign up for the procedure.
For more information about Lasik, call the FTC toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357, and ask for the brochure, Basik Lasik: Tips on Lasik Eye Surgery, or visit the FTC online at www.ftc.gov. The brochure discusses the risks and possible complications, how to decide if you’re a candidate for the procedure, how to shop for a surgeon, and what to expect before, during and after surgery. Alternatives to Lasik also are discussed, and resources are listed for additional information.
Please call me at 202-326-2368 if you have questions.
Thank you.
Colleen P. Tressler
Office of Consumer and Business Education