Officer takes own life following difficult laser eye surgery complications
Police Officer Ryan Kingerski, 26, died by suicide five months after undergoing corrective LASIK eye surgery, his parents said. The Kingerskis claim that the procedure's debilitating side effects led to their son's suicide but that experts generally consider LASIK safe and effective.
Ryan Kingerski was a young officer with the Penn Hills Police Department and a "very sincere person" who was passionate about helping others, according to his parents, Tim and Stefanie Kingerski. He was close with his twin brother, Jacob, and enjoyed golfing, spending time with his friends, and his girlfriend, they said.
In August 2024, Ryan underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct his vision, which he had relied on glasses and contacts for since middle school. However, on the way home from the procedure, Ryan complained about blurriness in his right eye and deteriorating vision, his father said. Over the following weeks, he suffered from severe headaches, double vision, starbursts, ghosting, halos, and other visual disturbances.
Despite these complications, specialists encouraged Ryan to wait and heal, according to his mother. However, the visual problems worsened, and he became reserved and withdrawn, his parents said. In January 2025, five months after the surgery, Ryan took his own life.
Ryan's parents believe that his suicide was a direct result of the LASIK complications, and they are calling for increased transparency and accountability in the industry. The Kingerskis have connected with other families who have had similar experiences and have filed a complaint with the FDA.
In an email to Digital, the FDA acknowledged learning about Ryan Kingerski's case and noted that hospitals and clinics are required to report associated deaths and injuries but may not always do so. The agency stated that it was looking for increased accountability from the industry.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) commented that the answer to why someone might choose to take their life is complex, often related to depression and emotional trauma. While the academy did not address Ryan's specific case, it noted that LASIK is not for everyone and that patients should discuss potential risks with their ophthalmologist before undergoing the procedure.
The Refractive Surgery Council, an organization that aims to help people make informed decisions about their vision correction choices, defended the safety and effectiveness of LASIK. According to the council, an enormous body of scientific data supports LASIK as safe and effective for those who are good candidates. However, the council also acknowledged that, as with all surgical procedures, there is a risk of side effects and complications.
According to the enrichment data, severe complications from LASIK are very rare, and risk can be minimized through careful patient selection, experienced surgeons, and attentive postoperative care. Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Digital reached out to the FDA and LASIK providers for comment on Ryan Kingerski's case but did not receive a response.
- The Kingerskis claim that the debilitating side effects of LASIK eye surgery, which Ryan Kingerski underwent, might have led to his mental health deterioration and subsequent suicide.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that the reasons for someone choosing to take their life are often complex, involving depression and emotional trauma, but they did not address Ryan Kingerski's specific case.
- Despite the Refractive Surgery Council stating that LASIK is generally safe and effective for good candidates, they also acknowledge that, similar to all surgical procedures, there is a risk of side effects and complications, which may impact one's health and wellness.
