A young trooper from Pennsylvania, Ryan Kinkelski, reportedly took his own life after experiencing adverse effects from an elective eye surgery.
At just 26 years old, Kinkelski left his job at the Penn Hills Police Station last August to undergo LASIK, a procedure intended to correct his vision. His parents, Tim and Stephanie Kimpersky, shared this information with CBS News.
Following the surgery, he experienced distressing side effects like severe headaches, double vision, and floaters—those small spots that drift across your field of vision. It wasn’t what they had hoped for.
His parents mentioned that he felt “full of regret” and that they sought specialists hoping for a solution to his problems, but unfortunately, nothing worked.
Tragically, Kinkelski took his life in January, just five months after the surgery.
His father recounted a note Kinkelski left, which expressed despair over his condition, stating, “You can’t take this anymore. LASIK has taken everything from me.” It felt like a haunting farewell.
His mother echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the pain of what they had lost.
Described as “bright, attractive, and clever,” Kinkelski had long aspired to be a police officer, following in his father’s footsteps alongside his twin brother, Jacob.
When he first expressed interest in LASIK, his parents were more worried about the dangers associated with police work than the surgery itself.
“We didn’t think about that,” said his mother, reflecting on their misplaced concerns.
Now, they grapple with the reality that their son never returned to his job.
Tim noted the devastating impact of the surgery, saying it “ruined his life in 12 seconds.”
Kinkelski’s parents are struggling to process their grief and are now sharing their story in hopes of warning others who may be considering LASIK.
Stephanie said, “He didn’t want other people to feel the same way. He wanted people to know the facts.”
Lasik, which stands for “Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” gained FDA approval in 1999 to correct vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
A former FDA director who was involved in its approval, Morris Waxler, has since called for the surgery’s withdrawal from the market, citing complications and issues with the data supporting its safety.
He also urged that Kinkelski’s story should serve as a cautionary tale.
“They cut the nerves… removing the support structures can be problematic,” Waxler added, highlighting the potential risks.
Annually, about 700,000 to 800,000 Americans undergo LASIK surgery, but the risks can include serious complications.
Kinkelski’s parents continue to advocate for thorough research for anyone considering the surgery, encouraging those affected by LASIK complications to reach out for support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, consider contacting 1-888-NYC-Well for confidential support in New York City or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 for resources outside the city.
