Former FDA regulator questions Lasik safety

[Chris_]

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A recent FDA survey found 95 percent of patients say they're satisfied with their results. But that's not what former FDA regulator Morris Waxler found. He helped approve the procedure in the 1990s. Now, he says 50 percent of the time, Lasik fails.

Waxler says up to 38 percent of Lasik patients continue to need glasses or contact lenses. Eighteen percent of Lasik-treated eyes have persistent dryness, glare and other night driving and vision problems. And one percent of patients have other adverse effects.

Dr. Waxler wants government regulators to force Lasik manufacturers and surgeons to be more forthcoming about the potential side effects.

He also petitioned them to consider withdrawing the pre-market approval of Lasik equipment which could mean doctors would not be able use the devices. Waxler's meeting with the FDA was not a hearing and there is no word yet on if or when the FDA will respond.

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[BEG]

Everyone that I know IRL have dry eye after LASIK. 

[IassaFTots]

My old Boss had it done a few years ago, and she still has to wear glasses. 

[thundley4]

I would never even think about it until they have a 100% success rate.

[Thor]

I would never even think about it until they have a 100% success rate.

NOTHING we can do , medicinally or surgically has 100% success rate. 

[Eupher]

I've worn glasses for 45 years, interrupted by a 5-6 year period in the eighties when I wore hard contacts. I think I can wear glasses for another 45 years, assuming I live that long.