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Lasik and Dry Eye (refractive surgery and dry eyes)The U.S. FDA website offers the following advice about considering Lasik eye surgery:When is LASIK not for me?You are probably NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery if:
"not a risk taker" is putting it mildly. Later on they get more specific:"Some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye not only causes discomfort, but can reduce visual quality due to intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This condition may be permanent. Intensive drop therapy and use of plugs or other procedures may be required." www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/risks.htm"severe" is the operative word here. Severe dry eyes may leave you in chronic pain and change your life forever. Is it really worth the risk?In August, 2002, LASIK patient David Shell testified before the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Panel:"My LASIK dry eye is not a minor problem, as downplayed by some ophthalmologists. It's a disability. I estimate that I am blind approximately 10 percent of the time due to my eyes being closed because of the pain. At the time of my surgery, I was told only a small number of patients experience a complication from this procedure. There is substantial evidence that shows this crippling side effect to be relatively common."Lasik ads proclaim "Now, safer than ever!" They go on to underestimate the complications to be no more than two to three percent. Independent studies show the number to be closer to 20% having some complications from Lasik and other refractive surgery. In 2008, the government finally held new hearings on the safety of Lasik surgery. Many dry eye sufferers testified as to the wreckage of their lives as a result of this surgery. Lasik surgery is far more dangerous than most patients are led to believe. The trauma to the eye after cutting the cornea with lasers is significant. Those patients with any kind of a prior eye condition particularly any degree of dry eyes should never have Lasik or any other refractive surgery.In my opinion, the risk is never worth it. If you or a loved one are considering this surgery, please do not have the procedure. Please do everything in your power to stop yourself or a loved one. Google the Rogue’s Gallery of horror testimonials from people who would do anything to go back in time to that horrible day they had this surgery. Do not be swayed by the profit-motivated pitches that downplay the risk.Please return from Lasik and Dry Eye to the home page and read about our e-book offering: Dry Eye Rescue: Dramatic Natural Dry Eye Relief. |
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