Is LASIK an off-label use of the excimer laser?
Except on four commercial lasers and three practices’ proprietary systems, LASIK is performed off-label in the United States. LASIK for treatment of hyperopia has been approved for two commercial laser systems and is off-label on all other U.S. lasers. The use of devices during a procedure deemed a practice-of-medicine is called an “off label” use of these devices. Because the approved lasers and microkeratomes have proven safe and effective in other procedures, ophthalmologists can use them off-label if they feel it is in their patients’ best interest to do so.
