FDA probes problems with Lasik

Complaints about Lasik eye surgery using lasers made by companies including Alcon and Advanced Medical Optics will be investigated as part of a wider study on how having the procedure affects patients' quality of life.

As reported in Optician, (News, March 28), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the inquiry following a number of concerns about patient satisfaction with the procedure.

News agency Bloomberg reported last Friday that the FDA had received 140 reports of side effects with Lasik from 1998 to 2006 and that the study is scheduled to start by 2009.

The regulatory body has also had representations made to it by patients who are unhappy with the outcome of their laser eye surgery and want more done to limit poor results.