'Legally blind' after LASIK: Viral post reignites debate over surgery risks
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The post originated from the X account @birdpathy, who recounted a troubling conversation with a LASIK surgeon when he simply asked for statistics. 'Just asked a LASIK surgeon if he had any statistics about rates of complications at his clinic, or rates of patients reporting dry eyes 6 months out,' the post began.
— birdpathy (@birdpathy)
But instead of answers, he says he got deflection. 'He asked if I was a reporter (in a thick New York accent) and said no patient had ever asked for that before in 20 years.'
The thread continued in the comment section, where @birdpathy added: 'He did not have the statistics - he couldn't even say how many times he's performed different procedures. I said 'I know everyone collects different stats' to give him an out. He said actually he 'knows every surgeon in NYC' and none of them would know these numbers.'
Shortly after, another X user, Chris Alvino, shared the post—along with his own devastating story.
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'I became legally blind after my LASIK surgery. And when my surgeon found out, he literally stopped talking to me during my appointment. He told me there was nothing we could do and I'd just have to learn to live with it. And offered zero follow up. Dude treated me like a pariah.'
In the comments, Alvino didn't hold back. 'So yeah, I'm not surprised these doctors and surgeons don't keep track of their complication rates. They're probably a shame on their massive ego, or maybe it's too much cognitive dissonance, knowing they are actively harming so many people.'
He closed with a pointed message: 'But yeah, does THIS doctor's responses sound like something you'd hear from an ethical industry? Why are surgeons so scared to discuss complication rates for LASIK? Ask yourself this question next time you're considering the surgery.'
What is LASIK?
LASIK surgery, short for
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
, is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
It aims to improve vision by ensuring light focuses correctly on the retina. This procedure is a popular outpatient option, often done under topical anesthesia, and can treat both eyes in a single session.
Who should avoid LASIK?
As per the US Food and Drug Administration, LASIK may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with the following conditions should avoid or carefully reconsider the procedure:
Refractive instability: If your glasses or contact lens prescription has changed in the past year, common in those under 20, pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetic, or on medications that affect vision.
Poor healing conditions: Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, immunodeficiencies like HIV, diabetes, or medications such as steroids and retinoic acid can impair proper healing.
Contact sports: Those involved in sports like boxing, wrestling, or martial arts, where facial impact is common, may face added risks.
What are the statistics?
LASIK risks have been thoroughly studied since the FDA approved the procedure. According to the 2016 Modern LASIK Outcomes study, 99.5% of eyes achieved 20/40 vision or better after surgery. However, a small percentage of patients do experience real and lasting side effects. These might include vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts, persistent dry eye syndrome, and night vision issues such as glare, halos, or double vision—especially in low-light conditions.
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