A woman has revealed how LASIK surgery left her wiht permanent nerve damage, and she’s spent over $20,000 on treatments and medication to heal the burning in her eyes.
In February 2021, Alexis Mencos wanted to invest in her own health, and she made the decision to get LASIK eye surgery. She went to a LasikPlus clinic and spent $3,000 in the hopes of finally correcting her vision.
Mencos, 31, who resides in Chicago, Illinois, told Newsweek that she’d “only heard success stories” about LASIK, and after battling stage 4 cancer, it was time to put herself first.
“I was told all side effects would be temporary,and I believed I was making an investment in my health,” Mencos said. “I had no idea what complications from LASIK could look like, so I don’t feel like I was able to make an informed decision.”
Immediately after the surgery, Mencos noticed that her eyes were bruised and bloodshot, but was reassured it was a normal reaction to the procedure. She followed the care instructions in the weeks that followed, including eye drops and supplements throughout the day.But as the months went by, she realized recovery was not going as planned.
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A woman named alex Mencos is sharing her story of debilitating pain and vision problems following LASIK surgery, hoping to inform others considering the procedure.after years of unsuccessful treatments and feeling dismissed by doctors, mencos received a diagnosis of corneal neuralgia, a rare but serious complication of LASIK, and now spends thousands annually managing her condition. She states getting LASIK is her “biggest regret” and wishes she had known the potential risks before undergoing the surgery.
A History of Health Challenges & LASIK
Mencos underwent LASIK surgery in 2017, seeking to correct her vision and avoid wearing glasses or contact lenses. however,shortly after the procedure,she began experiencing severe discomfort.She tried a variety of treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription eye drops, heat masks, and even steroids, but found no relief.
“I was experiencing pain, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision,” Mencos explained in a TikTok video posted on her account, @lalexylifestyle. “It felt like there was sand in my eyes constantly.”
For months, Mencos felt unheard by medical professionals. Feeling desperate, she joined a Facebook support group for individuals experiencing LASIK complications. This led her to seek out a specialist not covered by her insurance.
Diagnosis and Validation
The specialist finally diagnosed Mencos with permanent nerve damage and suggested she may not have been a suitable candidate for LASIK given her medical history of Stage 4 cancer. “[He] was the first doctor to believe me and confirm that what I was experiencing was not normal,” Mencos told Newsweek. “He truly saved my life because I was wholly hopeless at that point.”
Further testing confirmed a diagnosis of corneal neuralgia, a condition characterized by chronic pain, light and air sensitivity, burning sensations, and severe dryness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledges corneal pain as a potential, though uncommon, complication following LASIK and other eye surgeries.
The Financial and Emotional toll
Mencos estimates she has spent over $20,000 on tests, medications, and treatments in her quest for a diagnosis and management strategies. Her current regimen includes Autologous Serum Tears (artificial tears made from her own blood),twice-daily eyelid cleansing,heat masks,and dietary supplements.
The experience has been emotionally devastating. “I always say I would rather fight Stage 4 cancer again if it meant I could reverse my decision to get LASIK,” Mencos stated. She has not accepted any financial compensation related to her LASIK experience.
Now, Mencos is using her TikTok platform to educate others about the potential risks of LASIK and the importance of thorough pre-operative screening. She shares her symptoms and management techniques, hoping to provide support and data to others facing similar challenges.
“Had I seen stories like my own, I would have been able to make a fully informed decision. I never would have gotten LASIK had I known,” she says.
Understanding Corneal Neuralgia and LASIK Risks
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While generally safe and effective, like all surgeries, it carries potential risks and complications.
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential LASIK complications can include:
* Dry eyes: This is a common temporary side effect, but can be chronic in some cases.
* Glare,halos,and double vision: These visual disturbances are usually temporary,but can be persistent.
* Regression: Vision may gradually revert back towards its original state.
* Astigmatism: an irregular curvature of the cornea can develop.
* Corneal neuralgia: As experienced by Mencos, this involves chronic corneal pain due to nerve damage.
It’s crucial for potential LASIK candidates to have a extensive eye exam and discuss their medical history with a qualified surgeon to determine if they are suitable for the procedure. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or a history of cancer, may be at higher risk for complications.
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