Who benefits from Lasik eye surgery?

PUEBLO, Colo. – For people who rely on glasses and contacts to see clearly, Lasik eye surgery may sound like a dream come true. But do you have all the facts on this surgery?

Get the information you need on Lasik eye surgery with the publication, Basik Lasik: Tips on Lasik Eye Surgery, from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Learn about the types of vision errors that Lasik eye surgery corrects, who is a good candidate for Lasik, how to find a surgeon to perform the procedure, the risks and possible complications with Lasik, what to expect before, during and after the surgery, and possible alternatives to Lasik.

Lasik eye surgery has helped hundreds of thousands of people, but it is not for everyone. Make sure you have realistic expectations for the surgery – Lasik may not give you perfect vision and you may need additional surgery to get the best possible vision after Lasik.

After you’ve decided to have the surgery, ask your ophthalmologist or optometrist for a referral to a doctor that performs Lasik. Ask the surgeon how long he or she has been doing Lasik and how much experience the surgeon has with the procedure. Ask how the surgeon defines a successful surgery and what their success rate is. Find out what is involved with after-surgery care and who will be handling this.

This publication costs 50 cents. To order call toll-free 888-8-PUEBLO and ask for Item 322H. Or send your name, address and a check or money order for 50 cents to The Federal Consumer Information Center, Dept. 322H, Pueblo, CO 81009.