A woman from Chicago, Illinois, is sharing her troubling experience with LASIK eye surgery, which she claims left her with permanent nerve damage. Alexis Mencos, 31, underwent the procedure in February 2021, hoping to correct her vision after battling stage 4 cancer. Instead, she has spent over $20,000 on treatments and medications to alleviate persistent pain and burning in her eyes.
Mencos sought out LASIK surgery at a LasikPlus clinic, investing $3,000 in what she believed would be a positive change for her health. She had only heard success stories and was reassured that any side effects would be temporary. “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,” she told Newsweek.
Following the surgery, Mencos experienced bruising and bloodshot eyes, which she was told were normal reactions. She diligently followed post-operative care instructions, using eye drops and supplements to aid recovery. However, three months later, her situation worsened. “I was using my drops every 10-15 minutes with no relief,” Mencos recalled, leading her to suspect something was wrong.
Unforeseen Complications Arise
LASIK surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing for improved vision. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 80 percent of LASIK patients no longer need glasses or contact lenses. Yet, there are risks involved. A spokesperson for LasikPlus expressed their sadness regarding Mencos’ experience, emphasizing that patient satisfaction rates exceed 96 percent based on clinical data.
Despite the reassurances, Mencos found herself in constant pain, eventually developing a chalazion, a fluid-filled cyst that forms due to a blocked gland in the eyelid. Living with a gritty sensation and debilitating discomfort forced her to quit her job. She described the pain as “excruciating,” stating, “I would sleep the days away because the pain would lessen with my eyes closed.”
Mencos visited multiple doctors seeking help, but many insisted that her symptoms were unrelated to her LASIK procedure. Feeling dismissed, she continued to advocate for herself, undergoing various tests and treatments, including prescription medications and over-the-counter eye drops. Despite these efforts, relief remained elusive.
A Turning Point in Diagnosis
Ultimately, Mencos found support through a Facebook group focused on LASIK complications. After several months of searching for answers, she consulted a doctor outside her insurance network. This physician diagnosed her with permanent nerve damage and indicated that her cancer history likely disqualified her as a candidate for LASIK. “He was the first doctor to believe me and confirm that what I was experiencing was not normal,” she recounted.
Further testing revealed that Mencos suffers from corneal neuralgia, a condition that can cause pain, sensitivity to light, and severe dryness. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists recognizes that corneal pain can occur in a small subset of LASIK patients. Reflecting on her experience, Mencos now considers her decision to undergo LASIK her “biggest regret.” She has not accepted any compensation from the clinic.
Mencos has spent significant time and resources managing her condition, utilizing treatments such as Autologous Serum Tears and heat masks. Now, her focus is on educating others about the potential risks associated with LASIK through her TikTok account, @lalexylifestyle.
“Had I seen stories like my own, I would have been able to make a fully informed decision,” Mencos stated. “I never would have gotten LASIK had I known.” She expressed a willingness to confront her previous health challenges again if it meant reversing her decision for the surgery.
As her story unfolds, Mencos hopes to raise awareness and provide insight for others who may be contemplating LASIK surgery, emphasizing the importance of being fully informed about potential risks and complications.
