A TikTok video documenting a woman’s post-LASIK surgery experience has garnered significant attention, sparking discussions about the potential side effects of the popular eye procedure. In the video, which has amassed over 2.1 million views and 129,000 likes by Wednesday, the user, Shan, shares her personal account of unforeseen complications after undergoing LASIK surgery almost three years ago.
Accompanied by an on-screen caption reading, “Why I’d never get LASIK ever again and why you shouldn’t either,” Shan delves into her narrative by revealing that a recent visit to her eye doctor brought unexpected news regarding her vision.
“If I knew all the problems I was going to have three years later, I would’ve never gotten on that table,” she laments at the beginning of the video, urging viewers to consider her cautionary tale.
Shan acknowledges the commonality of dry eye symptoms post-LASIK, typically managed with prescribed eye drops. However, she discloses that her experience diverged from the expected improvement. Despite faithfully using the recommended drops initially, Shan claims her eye pain persisted, prompting her to cease their use.
In the spring of 2022, she resorted to over-the-counter Visine drops for relief. A subsequent visit to an eye doctor, whose advice was to continue using Visine, raised concerns for Shan. By late 2022, she found herself dependent on these drops daily, experiencing escalating pain and diminished relief.
In a later eye appointment in December 2023, Shan received startling information. The doctor informed her that her cornea was thinner than normal, leaving her with two potential scenarios: either she was never a suitable candidate for LASIK due to her thin cornea, or excessive laser removal during the surgery had taken place.
Shan recounts the excruciating pain she endures daily, which she attributes to corneal neuralgia. Research revealed that approximately 1 in 1,000 LASIK recipients may develop this condition, suggesting a concerning prevalence.
The video concludes with Shan expressing uncertainty about her vision’s future and the possibility of lifelong medication to mitigate further deterioration. Viewer comments reflect a mix of opinions on LASIK, with some defending its benefits and others sharing concerns about potential complications.
As discussions surrounding LASIK surgery persist, Shan’s viral video underscores the importance of informed decision-making and raises questions about the broader implications of elective eye procedures. The Daily Dot reached out to Shan for additional insights via TikTok direct message.
