Consumer Tips

Lasik Eye Surgery

Many people rely on glasses and contacts to correct their vision, but some find these methods inconvenient, uncomfortable or unattractive. Lasik eye surgery is one of the newest procedures to correct vision problems. But, before you sign up for the surgery,
the Better Business Bureau suggests you know the facts:

- Lasik is surgery to a very delicate part of the eye.
- Hundreds of thousands of people have had Lasik, most very successfully.
- As with any surgery, there are risks and possible complications.
- Lasik may not give you perfect vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that 7 out of 10 patients achieve 20/20 vision, but 20/20 does not always mean perfect vision.
- Lasik is too new to know if there are any long-term ill effects beyond five years after surgery.
- Lasik surgery CANNOT be reversed.
- If you have Lasik to correct your distance vision, you'll still need reading glasses around age 45.
- You may need additional surgery called "enhancements" to get the best possible vision after Lasik.

Only ophthalmologists (eye doctors) are permitted to perform Lasik. Ask your eye doctor or optometrist for a referral to an eye doctor who performs Lasik and ask the following questions:

- How long have you been doing Lasik surgery?
- How much experience do you have with the Lasik procedure?
- What laser will you be using for my surgery?
- What's involved in after-surgery care?
- Who will handle after-surgery care? Who will be responsible?

If you decide Lasik surgery is for you, consulting your eye doctor is critical to making an informed decision. The most satisfied laser surgery patient is one who has realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the risks and possible complications of
Lasik surgery.

For more information about vision correction procedures, or if you have a complaint, contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. at (604) 733-7758.