LASIK eye surgery: TikTok user shares story of his complications: why should we worry?

LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery is popular among those who want to have their vision corrected. The procedure requires deeper interaction with the patient’s cornea through the use of lasers. Although it’s believed to have a 96% success rate, that doesn’t mean it would work ALL the time.

Recently, a TikTok user named Erin Orchard posted a series of short clips about prominent eye surgery. From the day she got treatment to the day she didn’t expect it to happen, here’s why we should care about infamous laser vision correction.

Previous sequelae of LASIK eye surgery

(Photo: Unsplash Brands and People)
LASIK eye surgery caused an unforgettable complication for a TikTok user.

According to Erin Orchard, 33, via her official TikTok account, she was devastated after enduring so much pain from recent LASIK eye surgery. Erin’s case, however, was considered a rare case of the incident that falls into the category of less than 1% of cases involving serious eye complications.

In 2016, many patients experienced new eye problems after LASIK eye surgery. During this time, those involved have reported experiencing a lot of discomfort in their eyesight, including seeing halos, sudden glare, starbursts, and even aftershock images. The effects were seen within three months when the surgery is complete.

Following the mishaps, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for those who want to try the procedure. The agency said patients should first be aware of the potential risks involving the appearance of unwanted symptoms at the end of the operation.

Amidst the excruciating pain that Erin suffered, she had witnessed that those affected by post-operative complications tended to commit suicide. As of 2019, the TikTok user knows that three people have already committed suicide.

Read also: Beneficial music for anxious patients undergoing eye surgery

Nearly three years ago, a Fox Station meteorologist decided to take her own life after suffering complications from LASIK surgery. In November 2018, Jessica Starr, then 35, posted a video on Facebook. She was asking her viewers to pray for her after her short recovery from the procedure.

After learning that it would take at least three months to fully recover from laser surgery, she failed to survive the following month. His viral post on social media was followed by a shocking suicide which raised concerns among many people.

What the TikTok user wants to tell us

@erinorchard88 ##chronic disease ##chronic pain ##laser eye surgery ##nerve pain ##fyp ##lasik ##lasikcomplication ##trauma ##ptsd ## spoon ##pain ##depression ##Mental Health ♬ original sound – Brad

Erin’s case began in 2019 when she first received treatment for her eye. She underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery solve the problem of wearing glasses. The procedure is important in alleviating eye problems such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

However, Erin said what she endured was “distressing” and “uncomfortable”. The surgeon even told her to drink alcoholic beverages so that she felt less sensation on her nerves.

During the operation, Orchard also experienced “panic attacks” and she even asked the surgeon to stop the operation. The LASIK treatment continued and ended after 15 minutes.

After two to three days, she felt a “burning” sensation in her eyes and described it as “blinding pain”. She also became photosensitive.

The doctor who told her to consume wine and vodka insisted that she should remain silent about the process. Orchard consulted a psychologist to file a formal complaint about the surgeon’s behavior. He agreed to refrain from doing the same thing again.

Currently, her right eye was slightly healed, but she still felt the symptoms in some places. It’s even worse that her pain is doubled when she cries.

Erin said she was advised to undergo treatment involving “autologous serum eye drops” which come from her own blood. Although it seems impractical, Orchard said it would really help.

At Reddit a few years ago, some users also shared their honest stories about LASIK eye surgery side effects. The majority of Redditors said they suffered from dry eye, which was one of the most serious complications after the procedure.

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This article belongs to Tech Times

Written by Joseph Henry

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