William Dahl
Story: After seeing a TV news anchor’s flawless and painless surgery report of an easy out-patient procedure called LASIK, I decided to call the reported refractive surgeon for an appointment. I was encouraged by the refractive surgeon that I had nothing to worry about, and that there was no pain ever. When the severe dry eye syndrome first hit me, I was told by the surgeon’s office to use artificial tears. On all 4 follow-up exams, even though I had daily disabling pain, the surgeon only continued to say that my eyes would get better and to just keep using artificial tears until the dryness went away and my eyes returned to normalcy. He said it would go away soon.


After three months of this severe condition, I went to another ophthalmologist that inserted punctal plugs that helped keep the tear film on my eyes longer. This seemed to help a little. At that point, any improvement was great. I went to two more surgeons, not giving up on an answer. I only have theories as to how this could have been prevented. Of course, advising me against the surgery would have saved me. A different procedure could of prevented it. I am still hoping for a surgical answer to a surgically caused problem.


I now realize that the risks are played down in an almost hypnotic way, and that many others are suffering from my complication also. I have lost everything except faith. I spend all of my time fighting the pain. I have not been able to work or enjoy sporting activities for almost a year. I have been living on savings and borrowed money. I am finally giving over to applying for disability so as to fend off pending homelessness.


I am also seeking out research projects and/or universities who would be willing to take my case on for free. The day before my surgery, I was planning to introduce some new high tech products and services with some scientist friends of mine. That summer I was planning a write and travel a dream trip that I had wanted for years in order to finally publish some of my compositions. It never happened. And my horrified friends and family are in shock.


That year was unfortunately spent nursing painful eyes, accomplishing zero. I will be starting my second year like this unless I have a breakthrough treatment. I did learn a lot about the eye after the surgery. The human eye is a beautiful creation. I would not recommend cutting or burning it except in serious eye, or as in my case, life-saving cases.


This has taken a toll on my family. 365 days as an invalid fighting pain after a lifetime of being and avid outdoorsman, ambitious innovator, and athlete, is suffering I do not intend to go through much longer. I appreciate any help or info on free surgery and research. I have tried conventional treatments, meds. Been there, done that. I want surgery, nothing could be worse than where I am at. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Thanks for your help.


william_dahl@hotmail.com


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Bilateral Lasik Spring 98, well-known surgeon, San Diego, CA


Successfully wore contacts 2wks before surgery.

Refraction before surgery: Moderate, no astigmatism, no eye problems.


Refraction after surgery at 11 months: 20/40,20/50 some astig.


Complications from LASIK: Severe chronic daily drying of eye. Very painful. Started after surgery, never stopped.


Symptoms: Burning, stinging, like rope or leach squeezing front of eye. Terrible chronic condition. Causes suicidal temptations.


Results: Unable to concentrate due to chronic pain. Disables work, play, reading, writing, social functions, sleep.


Prognosis by doctors: Permanent, try to treat symptoms with artificial tears, plugs, compresses, NSAIDs.


Patient’s assessment: 2+2=4. Surgery caused it to begin, looking for surgical answer. Believe doctors know what happened but are protecting each other. Believe flap and incision are suspect and need adventurous surgeon with great skill to use ingenious technique to correct and bring back the eye’s baseline tearing mechanism.