***NEWS FLASH***
2/7/2010: LCA-Vision [LasikPlus] looks for new business model as LASIK volumes tank. LASIK patient advocate says LASIK mills have great incentive to conceal problems. Read article
1/14/2010: Lasik Vision Institute files Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Read article
12/21/2009: TLC Vision, Tiger Woods Sponsor, Files for Bankruptcy. Read article
Heed the warnings - Click below to watch video
Quote of the week
Furthermore, if [LASIK] interface transparency is indicative of absent wound healing, one might expect that the interface remains a potential space and flap adhesion is impaired for the lifetime of the flap. (Ursea and Feng, 2009)
20% complication rate six months after LASIK
in FDA clinical trials
From the report: "In [FDA] studies, ~15% of patients experienced night vision symptoms that were worse or significantly worse than preoperative night vision symptoms. Approximately 20% of patients experienced dryness symptoms that were worse or significantly worse than preoperative dryness." View complication table from report. Source: Bailey MD, Zadnik K. Outcomes of LASIK for myopia with FDA-approved lasers. Cornea. 2007 Apr;26(3):246-54.
Breaking News
Update 1/28/2010: Dr. Michael Mockovak's license to practice medicine suspended. Read article. 11/16/2009: LASIK surgeon, Dr. Michael Mockovak, charged with murder-for-hire plot of his Clearly LASIK business partner and former brother-in-law, Dr. Joseph King. Read article.
1/25/2010: Lasik's Blurry Vision - Side effects continue to plague patients... Now, as the FDA investigates, one expert admits, "We screwed up". Read article
1/11/2010: For Some, Lasik Brings More Problems Than Solutions - National Public Radio. Read/Listen
Industry News
10/27/2009: Read list of LASIK clinics that received FDA warning letters. Link to article
10/15/2009: TLC Vision and LasikPlus issued warning letters by FDA for noncompliance with federal law for reporting LASIK problems. Source
What's New on this site
New: LASIK contact lenses
Consumer Reports Health survey finds 53% of laser eye surgery patients experience at least one side effect and 22% still have problems six months after surgery. Learn more
New color photographs and topographies: Flap Complications, Epithelial Ingrowth, Post-LASIK Ectasia, Corneal Transplant, Radial Keratotomy (RK).
LASIK Flap Never Heals...
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Emory University researchers discover that the LASIK flap never heals. Read source
"Another aspect of LASIK surgery is that during this procedure, a corneal flap is made, which will create lifelong lamellar corneal potential
space." (Galal et al, 2006)
"The LASIK flap once cut may contribute little to the mechanical stability of the cornea and probably never completely adheres to the underlying stromal bed..." (O'Brart et al, 2007)
Make Your Voice Heard!
If you experienced problems after LASIK, such as starbursts, halos, multiple images, night driving difficulty, chronic dry eyes or other complications, you should report it to the FDA: File a report
Submit comments to the FDA public docket to let the FDA know how LASIK negatively affected your vision and quality of life: Comment
Many injured LASIK patients feel they are victims of deceptive LASIK ads that imply risk-free, perfect vision without glasses. Read the FDA letter regarding false and misleading advertising of LASIK. Instructions for filing a complaint are provided in the last paragrah: Report deceptive LASIK ads
You can verify a LASIK surgeon's license to practice medicine, check for state disciplinary action, or file a complaint with your state medical board. Click here to find contact information for your state medical board: Medical Boards
Depression and Suicide after LASIK
Patients with bad outcomes after LASIK may experience diminished quality of life, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Learn more about LASIK-related depression and suicide.
In response to public outcry of widespread problems with LASIK, the FDA held a public meeting on April 25, 2008 to hear from a panel of experts and patients harmed by the surgery. Watch testimony of suicide and depression triggered by complications of LASIK:
Help for LASIK patients
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Lasers can certainly remove corneal tissue, but no technology can replace it. LASIK is irreversible. LASIK patients may suffer permanent visual impairment which glasses and soft contact lenses cannot correct. Dr. Edward Boshnick has devoted his career to helping patients who have lost visual quality after LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery. Watch video of LASIK patient, Scott Tolchin, talking about his experience with Dr. Boshnick.
Learn more about visual rehab with contact lenses after LASIK.
Is LASIK safe in the military?
Death of soldier linked to
hazy vision after laser eye surgery - One of the four shooters, Staff Sgt. Trevor Alders, had recently had PRK laser eye surgery. Although he could see two sets of hands "straight up," his vision was "hazy," he said. Source
Researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center: Soldiers experiencing postoperative glare, haze, and starbursts could be significantly impaired in their ability to perform nighttime duties, thereby reducing the ability to perform their military functions safely. In a worst-case scenario, postoperative impairment of night vision may lead to increased risk for injury or even death. (Jayson et al, 2008)
Tiger Woods, “My vision started slipping”
Several professional golfers have reportedly experienced complications such as night vision problems, chronic dry eyes, or deteriorating vision after LASIK including Kenny Perry, Retief Goosen, Kevin Na, Paul Stankowski, Ian Leggatt, Vijay Singh, John Jacobs, Paul Parajeckas, Peter Lonard, Padraig Harrington, and Scott Hoch.
In November, 2008, Tiger Woods' surgeon, Dr. Mark E. Whitten, was ordered by a jury to pay $850,000 in a LASIK malpractice lawsuit brought by a patient who claims permanent eye damage as a result of LASIK. Read more...
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