Spectacle wearers may want to keep their glasses on. The Consumer Council warns LASIK surgery does not guarantee perfect vision or an end to the need for glasses, and urges people to weigh very carefully the pros and cons of such treatment.

It recently surveyed 14 LASIK surgery service providers and found a varying level of detail on information covering potential risks or complications. The providers included four private hospitals and 10 eye-surgery clinics. Some provide comprehensive content on the potential risks, but a few only briefly note the possibility of complications and the need to consult doctors in advance.

Where potential risks and complications are absent from leaflets, some service providers offer free preliminary eye assessment and medical consultation to potential clients.

LASIK (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is the most common refractive treatment to correct myopia and other eye ailments. The council received two complaints from January to October last year and four in 2006, mostly about sales tactics, price disputes, service quality and undesirable outcomes like double-vision.

Experts told the council no surgical procedure is risk-free as complications can arise and may differ from person to person. But they agreed most LASIK complications can be managed and the risk of serious and permanent damage is low.