The recent suicide of 26-year-old Pennsylvania police officer Ryan Kingerski has brought renewed attention to the LASIK eye surgery industry. Officer Kingerski, who served with the Penn Hills Police Department, tragically ended his life in January, leaving behind a note that attributed his decision to unbearable side effects from a LASIK procedure. His death has sparked a conversation about the safety of this popular surgery and the oversight of its providers.
Kingerski's case is not isolated. His heart-wrenching note detailed his struggle with persistent headaches, dark spots, double vision, and extreme light sensitivity, symptoms that incapacitated him and ultimately led to his suicide. "I can’t take this anymore. LASIK took everything from me," Kingerski's father recounted him writing, as reported by CBS News and the New York Post.
Once promoted as a safe and convenient fix to vision problems, LASIK has faced criticism from former patients and some medical professionals. Dr. Edward Boshnick, a Miami-based optometrist, has labeled LASIK "the biggest scam ever put on the American public," highlighting the industry's lucrative nature. Morris Waxler, a former FDA branch chief who approved the use of LASIK, now regrets the decision and has petitioned the FDA to revoke its approval, citing complication rates as high as 30 percent.
The LASIK procedure, which involves cutting a flap in the cornea to reshape it, has been FDA-approved since 1999, with millions of Americans undergoing the surgery since. While the American Refractive Surgery Council insists that LASIK is immensely safe, citing a "well below one percent" rate of sight-threatening complications, the stories of Kingerski and others paint a different picture.
The procedure's complications have had a profound impact on some patients' lives, leading to severe physical and emotional distress. Jessica Starr, a meteorologist from Detroit, and Paul Fitzpatrick, a Canadian man, both took their own lives after suffering from LASIK-related issues. Gloria McConnell's suicide at age 60 also followed severe complications from the surgery.
Despite these tragic cases, there are stories of hope. Abraham Rutner, a Brooklyn electrician, found relief from post-surgery pain with scleral lenses provided by Dr. Boshnick. However, the debate over LASIK's safety continues, fueled by survivor testimonies and the compelling arguments of former FDA officials.
The discussion raises questions about patient safety, informed consent, and the responsibility of medical practitioners. As LASIK procedures continue to be performed, the voices of those affected by severe complications become increasingly difficult to ignore. The industry is now facing a crucial moment of introspection and possible regulatory scrutiny as the stories of Kingerski and others demand attention.
