Parker Waichman LLP

LASIK Surgery – Depression Link To Be Studied by FDA

LASIK surgery – a procedure that can sometimes lead to life-altering complications –  has caught the eye of federal regulators.  When patients undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery—such as LASIK—they sign a release form with an extensive list of risks. However, researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned:  depression leading to suicide. […]

LASIK surgery – a procedure that can sometimes lead to life-altering <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/medical_malpractice">complications –  has caught the eye of federal regulators.  When patients undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery—such as LASIK—they sign a release form with an extensive list of risks. However, researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned:  depression leading to suicide. In response to patient complaints, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to organize a large, national study to examine the relationship between LASIK complications and quality of life issues, including psychological problems such as depression.

Malvina Eydelman, an ophthalmologist with the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, says the limited clinical data “failed to suggest significant problems following LASIK surgery.”  Confirming that the FDA wants a broad and systematic review, she said, “We also noted that quality of life issues related to LASIK had not been evaluated consistently and there were few reports of well-designed studies.”  While frustration and sadness can result from any unsuccessful surgery, when left with constant eye pain or permanently impaired vision, the response can be severe.  For instance, Colin Dorrian, 28, a patent lawyer and aspiring medical student from Philadelphia committed suicide last summer, six years after LASIK surgery left him with visual distortions.  The surgery was conducted at a LASIK center in Canada that has since closed.  “If I cannot get my eyes fixed, I’m going to kill myself,” he wrote in a note police found, adding, “I have other problems like most people do.  But this is something else.  As soon as my eyes went bad, I fell into a deeper depression than I had ever experienced, and I never really came out of it.”

Laser eye surgeons who treat patients with complications say they do come across cases of depression, but don’t believe LASIK complications are the root cause, arguing that patients who exhibit depression after the procedure were likely depressed or psychologically troubled beforehand.  “There’s no cause and effect,” said Dr. Steven Schallhorn, the former head of the Navy Refractive Surgery Center in San Diego and an expert on permanent visual distortions from LASIK.  Christine Sindt, an optometrist and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, has encountered the psychological effects that patients experience when they have trouble seeing.  “Depression is a problem for any patient with a chronic vision problem,” she said.  In the case of post-LASIK patients, depression is compounded by remorse, “It’s not just that they lose vision.  They paid somebody took their vision away,” she said.  Dr. Alan Carlson, a laser eye surgeon at the Duke Eye Center in Durham, built his career on correcting the vision of patients at high risk of complications and said people at risk of depression or anxiety are generally not good LASIK candidates.

In 2006, the FDA began to look into LASIK complications and quality-of-life issues and determined more research was needed.

A task force including representatives of the National Eye Institute and the National Institutes of Health has since formed to design a large study to be conducted by laser eye surgeons across the country.  The FDA is also planning a public meeting to discuss experiences with LASIK devices since their introduction to the U.S. market.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Benita Rollis for the exemplary manner in which my case was handled from the inception to the end. Ms. Rollis was compassionate, friendly, understanding, professional, accurate, informative and patient. She took the time and effort to explain the process, timeline, the various documents involved and how to go about obtaining certain forms. She was definitely on point. If I had to go this route again, I would hands down, choose and highly recommend Ms. Rollis because she is highly competent in getting the job done. She is a definite asset to Parker Waichman LLP. On behalf of myself and my family we thank you for a job well done. Be well and be blessed. Margarita R. Mitchell
Margarita Mitchell
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have been a client of Parker Waichman since 2008. The staff's courteous demeanor and knowledgeable responses to all my questions and concerns is why I chose to have the attorneys represent me 3 times.Jillian and Josephine return my calls in a timely fashion and treat me like I'm family. Look no further when searching for a firm that is informative, knowledgeable and competent in handling every detail of your case. That's the reason I would never choose another firm to handle any of my personal injury cases.
Tanysha Donaldson
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness Gina Viti was our paralegal during the claim process and was very responsive, professional and supportive. We appreciate all she did to bring the claim to a satisfactory conclusion.
ann gallas
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038