Possible drawbacks of LASIK surgery discussed.

In a column for Canada's Brantford Expositor (10/7), Dr. W. Gifford-Jones related a discussion with a patient who wanted to know "if she should toss away her eye glasses and have her vision corrected by LASIK surgery." Dr. Gifford-Jones explained that "millions of North Americans have had this procedure done and are happy with the result," but added that "now the FDA (Federal Drug Administration)...wants stronger warnings of complications on patient information material" because of the "devastating surgical complications" that can occur. In particular, Dr. Gifford-Jones pointed out that "some patients suffer side effects that impair the quality of their eyesight -- even if visual acuity is improved" -- such as reduced nighttime vision, and added that "others develop the dry eye syndrome." While noting that it was not his intention "to put the fear of death into anyone who contemplates LASIK surgery," Dr. Gifford-Jones wrote that "it's wise for people to follow the old time-tested advice...let the buyer beware"