Quick Take
A social media post claims that the inventor of LASIK refused the surgery due to health risks from lasers. After fact checking, we found this claim to be false.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that the inventor of LASIK is Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland. It says she refuses to get the surgery herself. According to the video, she believes the laser used in LASIK can damage opsins, which are the light-sensitive proteins in the eye. This, it claims, could affect sleep, hormones, hunger, and mood.
Fact Check
Did Donna Strickland invent LASIK eye surgery?
No, Donna Strickland did not invent LASIK. She was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Gérard Mourou, for developing a laser technique called chirped pulse amplification (CPA). While CPA has applications in medicine, including eye treatments, Strickland’s work focused on laser physics, not eye surgery.
The invention of LASIK is credited to Dr Gholam A. Peyman, who received a US patent for the procedure in 1989. The LASIK technique itself was further developed and refined over many years by other scientists and ophthalmologists. Unlike CPA, LASIK uses excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct vision. It represents a collaborative medical advancement rather than the work of a single individual.
Does LASIK damage light-sensitive proteins and disrupt body systems?
No. There is no scientific evidence that LASIK damages opsins or causes hormonal or sleep-related issues. LASIK reshapes only the surface of the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It does not reach the retina, where opsins are located.
Some people may experience temporary side effects like dry eyes or visual disturbances, but these are usually mild and resolve over time. LASIK has been studied extensively and is considered safe and effective by leading eye health organisations.
Do light-sensitive receptors control hormones, sleep, and mood?
Yes, but not in the way the video suggests. Some opsins in the retina, such as melanopsin found in specific retinal cells, help regulate circadian rhythms and influence sleep and mood. However, LASIK does not affect these cells. The laser used in LASIK only interacts with the cornea, which is a different part of the eye and does not house these light-sensitive cells.
Dr Almas Fatma, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, says, “Yes, some light-sensitive receptors in our eyes do help regulate things like sleep, mood, and even hormones. These receptors, especially one called melanopsin, respond to natural light and help set our internal body clock. That’s why getting daylight during the day and limiting screen exposure at night can make a real difference to how well we sleep and feel. But it’s important to remember these receptors are deep in the eye, in an area called the retina. LASIK surgery only works on the surface of the eye, the cornea, so it doesn’t reach or affect these deeper cells.”
Did Donna Strickland refuse LASIK because of laser health risks?
There is no verified source confirming that Donna Strickland ever made such a statement. The quote attributed to her in the video, “nobody is putting lasers in my eyes!” cannot be traced to a reliable interview or publication.
Even if she chose not to undergo LASIK, this would not prove the surgery is harmful. Individuals often decline elective procedures for a variety of personal reasons, such as being perfectly satisfied with glasses or simply not feeling the need for surgery. Moreover, she might not even be an eligible candidate for LASIK. A personal choice does not equate to scientific evidence, and it is incorrect to make assumptions based solely on a social media post.
Are there natural ways to improve eyesight instead of LASIK?
Not when it comes to correcting refractive errors. LASIK works by reshaping the structure of the eye to fix issues like myopia or astigmatism. No diet (including fruits like chikoo), supplements (such as Eye Sutra), or eye exercise (like yoga or acupressure) has been proven to reverse these conditions. While healthy habits can support overall eye health, they cannot replace medical procedures like LASIK.
Dr Isha Agarwalla, Ophthalmologist, from Drishti Netralaya, Dibrugarh, Assam, says, “There’s no natural way to reverse refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism. LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct how light enters the eye. No fruit, vitamin, or eye yoga can do that. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs LASIK. If you’re comfortable using glasses or contact lenses, that’s perfectly fine too. It’s a personal choice, not a medical necessity. What matters most is looking after your eye health overall, with regular check-ups, balanced diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, staying hydrated, and protecting your eyes from excessive screen time or sunlight. These habits won’t replace LASIK, but they’ll help keep your eyes healthy in the long run.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that the inventor of LASIK refused the surgery due to health risks from lasers is false. The video spreads multiple layers of misinformation. Donna Strickland did not invent LASIK and has never publicly opposed the procedure. The claims about lasers damaging light-sensitive cells and disrupting sleep or hormones are not backed by any scientific evidence. LASIK is a well-established, safe surgery for vision correction with no known impact on hormonal health or circadian rhythm. The post uses misleading visuals and unfounded fear to promote dubious “natural eyesight” products or guides.
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