Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Is LASIK Safe? Eye Surgeon Reveals Hidden Risks | Dr. Cynthia MacKay, MD
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Jun 17, 2025 Dr. Cynthia MacKay, a Columbia eye surgeon and author of *The Unsightly Truth*, dives deep into the alarming hidden risks of LASIK surgery. She reveals how many patients suffer from chronic pain, vision loss, and even severe emotional distress post-procedure. Cynthia highlights the industry's lack of transparency and the common misconceptions that glamorize LASIK. With a focus on informed consent, she urges listeners to thoroughly research before making any decisions about eye surgery—challenging the notion that LASIK is a 'miracle' solution.
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Inventor's Flap Shock
- Dr. Cynthia MacKay recounts her initial disbelief when her colleague invented LASIK by cutting a cornea flap.
- She immediately saw LASIK as harmful due to corneal nerve damage causing permanent pain.
Why LASIK Fails Over Time
- LASIK fails because it reshapes a living cornea by cutting and thinning it, causing it to weaken and scar.
- 44% of patients lose clear distance vision 7 to 8 years after the procedure.
Night Vision Problems are Universal
- LASIK causes nighttime vision problems due to the uneven corneal surface causing multiple focuses.
- This results in halos, starbursts, glare, and distorted vision in dim light for all LASIK patients.