Finish The Race Podcast
A young man from Pennsylvania, Ryan Kingerski, tragically ended his life after undergoing LASIK eye surgery. His parents believe the surgery’s side effects played a major role in his despair, while experts maintain that the procedure is generally considered “safe and effective.” Ryan, a 26-year-old police officer, was described by his parents as “funny and witty” and someone who genuinely cared about others.
Stefanie Kingerski, Ryan’s mother, shared that he was always eager to lend a helping hand, even to strangers. He had a close bond with his twin brother, Jacob, and followed in their father’s footsteps into law enforcement. Ryan’s life was filled with activities he loved, like playing golf and spending time with friends and his girlfriend.
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The Kingerski family, all serving as police officers, faced a devastating loss when Ryan took his life just months after his eye surgery. In August 2025, Ryan underwent the LASIK procedure, hoping to discard his glasses and contacts for good. His father, Tim, recounted that Ryan expected a quick recovery but, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
On the way home from the surgery, Ryan sensed something was wrong with his vision, particularly in his right eye. His parents encouraged patience, but the situation worsened over time. Ryan endured severe headaches, double vision, and other visual disturbances that left him feeling debilitated.
His mother, Stefanie, said they sought help from multiple specialists, but solutions were elusive. It was discovered that Ryan had thin corneas, making him an unsuitable candidate for LASIK, a fact that was overlooked initially. As his condition deteriorated, Ryan became withdrawn, avoiding previously enjoyed activities.
In January 2025, five months post-surgery, Ryan took his own life, leaving a note that read, “LASIK took everything from me. I can’t take it anymore.” His parents are convinced that his suicide was not due to preexisting mental health issues but rather a result of the surgery’s aftermath.
The Kingerskis have connected with others who have had similar experiences and are now advocating for more transparency and accountability in the industry. They have filed a complaint with the FDA, seeking a deeper investigation into the long-term effects of LASIK. They believe the consent forms provided to patients are insufficient and fail to highlight the potential severe risks.
The family’s tragedy is not isolated, as previous suicides linked to laser eye surgeries have been reported. Jessica Starr, a meteorologist, and Max Cronin, a college student, both took their lives following complications from the procedure. Despite these incidents, industry experts like Dr. James Kelly emphasize that LASIK is safe for suitable candidates, with dry eye being the most common side effect.
The Refractive Surgery Council defends the procedure, citing extensive scientific research confirming its safety and effectiveness. They advise potential patients to be well-informed and to have thorough discussions with their healthcare providers. The Kingerskis continue to raise awareness in hopes of preventing others from enduring similar tragedies.