Laser eye surgery, widely regarded as a safe and effective method to correct vision, carries risks that have raised concerns among some medical professionals and patients alike. The procedure, known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik), involves reshaping the cornea to improve vision and is typically performed under local anesthesia. While the majority of patients experience improved eyesight with minimal complications, a subset faces serious and, in some cases, permanent adverse effects.

Lasik surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, driven by more affordable pricing and widespread availability at high-street clinics. Estimates suggest that between 95 and 98 percent of patients achieve their desired vision following the procedure. However, short-term side effects such as blurred vision, dry eyes, light sensitivity, halos, and floaters are common and usually resolve within weeks. For approximately 1 to 2 percent of patients, persistent dry eye syndrome remains a chronic issue.

More severe complications include corneal ectasia, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea. In advanced cases, this condition can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that Lasik may result in irreversible vision loss and severe dry eye symptoms in some patients.

The safety of Lasik has come under further scrutiny following critical assessments from experts like Morris Waxler, the late FDA official who led the agency’s original approval of the procedure in the 1990s. Waxler later reversed his position, citing complication rates between 10 and 30 percent based on his review of clinical data—figures substantially higher than those commonly reported by providers. He petitioned the FDA to revoke approval of Lasik, describing it as one of the most significant medical oversights in recent history.

Tragic cases have brought the potential risks of Lasik into sharp focus. In August 2024, Ryan Kingerski, a 26-year-old police officer from Pennsylvania, underwent the surgery after years of wearing glasses. While initially optimistic, Ryan developed severe headaches, double vision, dark spots, and persistent visual disturbances. Despite consultations with multiple specialists, he was informed that his corneas were thin and that his symptoms were irreversible. Less than five months after the procedure, Ryan died by suicide, leaving a note that referenced his Lasik-related complications.

Ryan’s case is not isolated. In 2018, Paul Fitzpatrick, a Canadian father of two, took his life after enduring severe post-Lasik pain for two decades. Families of patients with chronic postoperative pain often highlight the limited treatment options, as the intersection of ophthalmology and mental health care can leave patients without adequate support.

Medical professionals emphasize that while Lasik may be safe for most, patients should be fully informed of potential risks. Persistent physical complications such as nerve damage to the cornea, severe dry eye, and chronic pain can contribute to mental health challenges, including depression. Experts caution that these risks warrant careful consideration before undergoing surgery, especially given the challenges in managing complex postoperative outcomes.