A Chicago woman, Alexis Mencos, has shared her distressing experience following a LASIK eye surgery that resulted in permanent nerve damage. After undergoing the procedure in February 2021 at a LasikPlus clinic, Mencos has spent over $20,000 on treatments and medications to alleviate chronic pain and burning sensations in her eyes.
Mencos, now 31, had hoped to improve her vision after battling stage 4 cancer. Motivated by positive feedback from others, she invested $3,000 in the surgery, believing it would enhance her quality of life. “I was told all side effects would be temporary, and I believed I was making an investment in my health,” she explained. Mencos felt uninformed about the potential complications that could arise from the procedure.
Following her surgery, Mencos experienced bruising and bloodshot eyes but was reassured that these were normal reactions. Despite adhering to post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, her recovery took an unexpected turn. “Three months after LASIK, I noticed my eyes were extremely dry, even after using the recommended drops,” Mencos said, expressing her growing concern.
According to the Mayo Clinic, LASIK surgery alters the shape of the cornea to correct vision, with more than 80 percent of patients no longer needing glasses or contact lenses afterward. Yet, the procedure carries inherent risks. A representative from LasikPlus responded to Mencos’ situation, stating they were “saddened to hear” about her complications. They emphasized their commitment to patient care and noted a high satisfaction rate among LASIK patients.
Despite assurances from several doctors that her symptoms were unrelated to the surgery, Mencos continued to suffer from debilitating pain and the formation of a chalazion, a cyst caused by a blocked gland in her eyelid. This ongoing discomfort forced her to leave her job and seek further medical opinions. “I was in constant pain and desperately trying to find answers,” she recalled.
After extensive consultations, Mencos consulted a physician outside of her insurance network who diagnosed her with permanent nerve damage. He also indicated that her prior cancer diagnosis may have disqualified her from being a suitable candidate for LASIK. “He was the first doctor to believe me and confirm that what I was experiencing was not normal,” she said, relieved yet devastated by the diagnosis.
Further examinations revealed that Mencos suffers from corneal neuralgia, a condition that causes severe pain, light sensitivity, and persistent dryness. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists acknowledges that corneal pain can be a rare complication of LASIK and similar eye surgeries.
Reflecting on her experience, Mencos stated that undergoing LASIK remains her “biggest regret.” She has not accepted any compensation from the clinic, focusing instead on managing her condition. To date, Mencos has invested over $20,000 in tests and treatments, employing various methods such as Autologous Serum Tears and heat masks to alleviate her symptoms.
Mencos has turned to social media to share her journey, using the platform TikTok to educate others about the risks associated with LASIK surgery. “Had I seen stories like my own, I would have been able to make a fully informed decision,” she remarked. With her videos, Mencos aims to provide insight and support for individuals facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making in elective medical procedures.
As she continues her quest for relief and understanding, Mencos emphasizes the critical need for transparency in medical practices and decision-making processes.