A former LASIK patient is bringing attention to the chronic pain she has endured for the past five years since undergoing the surgery. Erin Orchard, a TikTok user, has openly shared her post-LASIK journey with her 13,000 followers, describing the daily pain as so severe that it would prompt most people to seek emergency medical care.
In a TikTok video posted on January 7, Orchard candidly addressed her experience, garnering significant attention with 3.9 million views. The video is part of Orchard’s efforts to share her post-LASIK journey, which she describes as an integral part of the grieving process.
LASIK surgery, despite its increasing popularity as a corrective procedure, carries a substantial list of risks and potential complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, complications can include astigmatism, double vision, dry eyes, and even vision loss. Additionally, overcorrections and undercorrections from the laser used in surgery might necessitate a second LASIK procedure to address.
In a subsequent video, Orchard detailed that she developed neuropathic corneal pain after her LASIK procedure, leading her to invest thousands of dollars in various treatments with no improvement. She disclosed experiencing two hospitalizations post-surgery, including one on Christmas Eve.
“Unfortunately, laser eye surgery has ruined my life,” Orchard emotionally stated in the video.
This revelation follows another TikTok user’s viral video sharing her experience with LASIK surgery in 2020, only to find herself back in the doctor’s office three years later with worsening vision problems and a diagnosis of corneal neuralgia.
Viewers in the comments section of Orchard’s video echoed her experiences, citing chronic pain and symptoms such as dry eyes after their own surgeries. Concerns were raised about the trustworthiness of the procedure, with some users noting that optometrists themselves seemed hesitant, expressing their reluctance to undergo LASIK based on professional opinions.
The Daily Dot reached out to Erin Orchard via TikTok direct message for further insights.
