Serious disadvantages of cheap and low-quality LASIK:
The decrease in public interest in refractive surgeries cannot be attributed solely to economic factors or market fluctuations. An important part of this process is the result of increasing complications and dissatisfaction of patients after performing surgeries without correct indications; Actions that unfortunately have been popularized by some inexperienced or profit-oriented surgeons in recent years.
Refractive surgery, unlike many ophthalmic interventions, is an elective procedure, and its success depends above all on careful selection of the patient, compliance with scientific indications and adherence to the principles of medical ethics. Any deviation from these principles—including performing LASIK or SMILE in borderline corneas, ignoring keratoconus risk factors, or making unrealistic promises to patients—directly leads to an increase in complications such as ectasia, severe dry eyes, halos, and loss of vision.
The consequence of this incorrect approach is not only limited to the affected patients; Rather, it manifests as widespread social mistrust towards the entire field of refractive surgery. In the age of social networks and quick access to negative patient experiences, each preventable complication can have a deterrent effect beyond an individual case and affect the decisions of thousands of potential patients.
Therefore, the decrease in demand for refractive surgeries should be considered as a serious warning; A warning that shows that excessive commercialization, inadequate education, and disregard for scientific indications ultimately harm not only patients, but the entire field's reputation. Restoring public trust will be possible only by returning to evidence-based medicine, responsible patient selection, and prioritizing long-term health over short-term financial gains.
