A former U.S. Food and Drug Administration official warned against "LASIK" surgeries to correct their eyesight, calling for a permanent end to these surgeries, even though he was one of those who voted to approve them in the 1990s.
"We basically ignored data on vision distortions that have lasted for years," said Maurice Wexler, a retired FDA adviser. "I checked the documents and said this was not good."
Although a FDA survey found that more than 95 percent of the patients who underwent surgery were satisfied with the results of the operation approved by federal officials in 1998, others suffered serious complications.
Wexler estimated between 10 and 30 percent of complications after LASIK, according to CBS.
LASIK surgery, a special type of laser, is used to reshape the cornea to improve "eye concentration strength," according to the FDA.
The Federal Health Agency, on its website, refers to the health risks and complications that may be exposed to those who undergo surgery, including loss of vision, vision glare or halos, double vision, in addition to severe dry eye syndrome.
In addition to these risks, the FDA noted that "no long-term data are available on this process," which means that the long-term safety and effectiveness of LASIK surgery is unknown.
Wexler stressed that "the procedure must be completely banned," saying, "There is nothing wrong in the eyes of the person who goes to get LASIK. They have healthy eyes, they can buy glasses."
The FDA said it had not discovered any new safety concerns related to LASIK surgery.
By Andy Bogard November 17, 2019
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