Doctors Warn of Serious Risks Linked to Popular LASIK Eye Surgery After Tragic Death

A growing number of former LASIK patients are speaking out about the serious risks associated with the widely popular eye surgery. Their warnings follow the heartbreaking suicide of a young man who reportedly suffered unbearable complications after undergoing the procedure.

Ryan Kingerski, a 26-year-old police officer from Pennsylvania, decided to take a break from his demanding job to finally address long-standing issues with his vision. He opted for LASIK, a laser eye surgery marketed as a fast, effective solution to correct eyesight without glasses or contact lenses.

But what was supposed to be a straightforward fix quickly turned into a nightmare.

In the weeks following his procedure, Ryan began experiencing a series of debilitating symptoms. His family reported that he was plagued by relentless headaches, double vision, and the sudden appearance of floaters and dark spots that clouded his sight.

Despite visiting multiple specialists in search of relief, no treatment helped. The pain persisted. Earlier this year, Ryan died by suicide.

His family shared the heartbreaking note he left behind. As his father told CBS, "He left us a note that said, 'I can’t take this anymore. LASIK took everything from me.' That’s the note that we got left."

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed laser refractive surgery in the world. It involves using a precision laser to reshape the cornea, the front surface of the eye, so that light is properly focused onto the retina. This correction is designed to improve vision in people with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

While LASIK may be life-changing for many, for others, it has had tragic and irreversible consequences.

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The procedure is performed on hundreds of thousands of patients each year and is often advertised as quick, safe, and low-risk. Providers frequently cite a 95% to 99% success rate. However, for a small, and some argue underreported, percentage of patients, the outcome can be devastating.

Florida native Paula Cofer, 66, knows this firsthand. She also underwent LASIK and was left with long-term complications.

Speaking to The New York Post, Cofer said, "I really didn’t want to stick around at times, but I decided I would to get the word out about how dangerous this surgery can be."She added, "The LASIK lobby and the surgeons will tell you only 1 percent of patients have issues afterward. That’s not true. There are multiple studies that indicate otherwise. The percentage of those with poor outcomes is in the double digits, not 1 percent. And they know it."

Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, the director of the Wilmer Eye Institute, emphasizes the importance of informed consent in LASIK procedures. He advises that patients should fully understand both the potential benefits and risks associated with laser surgery before making a decision. According to Dr. McDonnell, many patients underestimate the possibility of complications, which can include dry eyes and visual disturbances.

He recommends that individuals considering LASIK should seek comprehensive evaluations from multiple specialists to gain a well-rounded perspective on the procedure.

As the conversation around elective eye surgery evolves, more people are asking hard questions about safety, transparency, and what really constitutes informed consent

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Cofer now dedicates her time to raising awareness about the darker side of LASIK. "If you understand LASIK and what it does to the eyes and cornea, you realize you can’t do it on a healthy eye and not expect complications. Not everyone has severe complications, but a lot more people are suffering than you know," she said.

"I got floaters, severe dry eyes, induced astigmatism, and severe night vision problems."

She is not alone in her concerns. Cofer has partnered with Morris Waxler, a former advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who played a key role in LASIK’s original approval. Now 89, Waxler has become a vocal critic of the procedure he once endorsed.

Reflecting on his past role, Waxler told The Post, "It didn’t matter what questions and concerns I had, because the surgeons were very powerful and still are. People come in with healthy eyes and all they need is eyeglasses.

But when surgeons cut the cornea, they are removing nerves and leaving the corneas with odd shapes, and some patients will experience intractable pain."

The growing number of patient testimonials, combined with the involvement of former medical insiders, is beginning to raise more public awareness about the potential risks of LASIK.

As the conversation around elective eye surgery evolves, more people are asking hard questions about safety, transparency, and what really constitutes informed consent. While LASIK may be life-changing for many, for others, it has had tragic and irreversible consequences.

Understanding Patient Experiences

A recent study by Dr. Jennifer L. Wiggins, a clinical psychologist, highlights the psychological impact of surgery complications on patients. She notes that adverse outcomes can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness, emphasizing the need for emotional support post-surgery.

Dr. Wiggins suggests incorporating mental health evaluations as part of the pre-operative process. Providing patients with access to counseling can help them navigate their feelings, making them more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges during recovery.

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

As LASIK remains a popular option for vision correction, understanding both the medical and psychological implications is crucial. Experts like Dr. Peter J. McDonnell and Mayo Clinic underline the importance of patient education and emotional support. By ensuring that patients are fully informed and supported, healthcare providers can mitigate risks and improve overall satisfaction. It’s essential for prospective LASIK patients to prioritize thorough consultations and emotional readiness to navigate potential complications effectively.