Routine LASIK check uncovers hidden risk of blindness in patient

A routine eye check before LASIK surgery revealed a serious condition that could have led to blindness. What began as a plan to correct vision ended with an urgent medical intervention. The experience has since highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly for older adults. The decision to undergo LASIK came after years of relying on eyeglasses. A batchmate, Dr. Jaybee Bautista, first suggested the procedure as a long-term solution. But during the pre-surgery screening, doctors detected superior retinal detachment in the right eye—a condition that, if untreated, risked permanent vision loss.

Retina specialists Dr. Torres and Dr. Kat Torres-Magno took over the case immediately. They performed retinopexy and laser photocoagulation to stabilise the detachment and prevent further damage. The recovery, however, was gruelling: three days of strict face-down positioning left the patient physically strained and mentally exhausted.

Follow-up care has been intensive. Weekly visits to the eye centre continue, with three laser treatments already completed. Yet a small macular hole remains, requiring further attention. The incident has reinforced the need for regular eye checks as part of annual health assessments. For ageing workers, early detection of retinal issues can mean the difference between treatable conditions and irreversible blindness. The patient now advocates for routine screenings, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.