FDA warning about misleading LASIK ads

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that doctors promoting LASIK may not be informing consumers correctly about potential risks involved. "Advertising and promotional materials for FDA-approved lasers used during LASIK procedures must be truthful, properly substantiated and not misleading," wrote Timothy Ulatowski, head of the Office of Compliance for the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The FDA's letter spares LASIK-related companies which could have been affected by stricter action, including Abbott Laboratories' unit Abbott Medical Optics Inc, Alcon Inc, and Bausch & Lomb as well as clinics such as TLC Vision Corp and LCA Vision Inc.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology physicians' group said it appreciated the "reminder" from the FDA.