Police officer dies by suicide after debilitating LASIK surgery complications
A tragic incident has left a Pennsylvania family devastated after their young son, Ryan Kingerski, took his own life months after undergoing corrective laser eye surgery. The 26-year-old police officer from Penn Hills was described as a genuine and passionate individual who was always looking to help others.
In August 2025, Ryan decided to undergo LASIK eye surgery to eliminate the need for glasses and contacts that he had been using since middle school. However, what was supposed to be a routine procedure turned into a nightmare for Ryan and his family. Following the surgery, Ryan experienced debilitating side effects, including severe headaches, double vision, starbursts, ghosting, halos, and other visual disturbances.
Despite seeking help from specialists and trying to find solutions for his worsening condition, Ryan’s symptoms persisted and even worsened over time. His parents, Tim and Stefanie Kingerski, emphasized that the surgery had a devastating impact on Ryan’s quality of life, causing him to withdraw from activities he once enjoyed and become reserved.
Five months after the surgery, Ryan tragically took his own life, leaving behind a note that cited LASIK as the reason for his despair. His parents are adamant that Ryan’s suicide was a direct result of the complications he experienced from the surgery, rather than preexisting mental health issues.
The Kingerski family is now calling for transparency and accountability within the industry, urging the FDA to investigate the long-term effects of LASIK surgery. They have also connected with other families who have faced similar challenges after undergoing the procedure, highlighting the need for more awareness and caution when considering vision correction surgeries.
While vision experts maintain that LASIK is generally safe and effective for the majority of patients, cases like Ryan’s serve as a reminder of the potential risks and complications associated with such procedures. The American Academy of Ophthalmology emphasized the importance of thorough discussions with ophthalmologists to understand the potential risks and ensure that individuals are suitable candidates for surgery.
As the Kingerski family continues to mourn the loss of Ryan, they hope that their advocacy efforts will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of informed decision-making and thorough consideration before undergoing any surgical procedure, especially when it comes to something as essential as vision correction.
