Is laser vision correction approved by the FDA?

People often misunderstand the FDA regulation process. Procedures themselves are not regulated -it is the device (in this case the excimer laser) that is evaluated and approved for a listed purpose. Laser Vision Correction (PRK or LASIK) can then be performed at the discretion of a trained ocular surgeon on any approved laser available for sale in the U.S. The surgeon has the ability (indeed, the obligation) to adjust the treatment as per the specific needs of a particular patient. So, YES: Laser Vision Correction is an approved use of the excimer lasers sold for that purpose that have been evaluated by an FDA panel as to safety and efficacy.

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic