The premise of your Feb. 3 article "Some link depression, failed LASIK" was based upon incomplete, unpublished and anecdotal research and did a disservice to the millions of Americans who elect to undergo vision correction surgery each year.

It is irresponsible to draw a conclusion between LASIK and suicide. There is simply no scientific basis to support a direct connection between a sub-optimal outcome from eye surgery and suicide. It is an accepted fact in the medical community that mental and emotional health factors are the causal agents of suicide. As surgeons committed to improving quality of life, we work with patients to identify and address a multitude of factors during the pre-surgical consultation to establish realistic expectations in support of a positive LASIK experience.

All surgeries carry some degree of risk. Consulting with an ophthalmic surgeon prior to considering LASIK is the best way to become fully informed of benefits and potential risks. LASIK is one of the safest and most-effective surgical procedures available.

Those considering LASIK surgery should responsibly research it and can find more information at these Web sites: www.fda.org; www.eyesurgeryeducation.org; www.aao.org; and www.allaboutvision.com.

Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D.

President, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Fairfax, Va.