Athletes love Lasik surgery; team managers, doctors wary of its risks

Bill Lubinger and Mike Kroner

Babe Ruth set slugging records with a lazy eye. Had there been a surgery to correct it, no telling what stratosphere the Bambino may have reached.

Unlike steroids or human growth hormone, Lasik eye surgery -- a procedure that uses lasers to correct common vision problems -- isn't banned from sports for unnaturally boosting physical ability. So even athletes at the top of their games, from LeBron James and Tiger Woods to sure Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, have gone under the laser.

In fact, Woods and Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who had Lasik done before the 2007 season, are ad pitchmen for the companies that tweaked their vision.

complete article: Cleveland Plain Dealer