Ohio State Havener Eye Institute Eye and Ear Institute

This review is in regard to lasik with Dr. Castellano. Almost a year later I am still traumatized by my lasik experience. TLDR: Inhumane and do not recommend. I was not at all prepared by anyone for how excruciating lasik might be, although at my follow up the next day Castellano said that a past patient told him it was worse than childbirth. Informed consent??? It is absolutely inhumane that no painkiller of any kind/numbing drop is prescribed for after this treatment for those who might need it. Apparently, lasik is excruciating for people with high corneal sensitivity. I learned that using chat GPT because in all my research and consultations at various clinics, it was never mentioned. I have a high pain tolerance and took 2 extra strength tylenol 20 min before and this was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. Even though I can see now, it was NOT worth it and I would not do the surgery again. During the initial consultation Dr. Castellano told me that I would only experience stinging. They tell you that you will feel discomfort and to try to sleep but you cannot sleep when you are uncontrollably sobbing. They give you a vicodin seconds before the procedure so even if you have high strong painkillers at home left over from past procedures, you likely cannot take them due to drug interaction. The eyedrops you have to use 4x daily afterwards for weeks enter your tear ducts and drip into the back of your throat and are the most vile tasting substances. About the procedure itself, when the laser works, you can smell your eye burning. As if that isn't bad enough, the positioning of the laser and your stabilization are up to YOU during the procedure. You are told how to position your head then repeatedly told to stay still, open wide, stare at the light, etc. YOU are very much involved in how your surgery turns out, which is nerve racking. The light is so bright and painful to look at. After the procedure they rush you out the door because the numbing drops they use during the procedure wear off within minutes. By the time I got to the car, I was in some pain. 15 minutes into the drive, I was crying. By the time I got home, I refused to get out of the car until my mom called Dr. Castellano to make sure nothing was wrong and we didn't need to drive back. That's how much he and other clinics downplayed the experience. Dr. Castellano said he would be available for any phone calls post procedure about concerns yet when my mom called twice to confirm that what I was experiencing was normal and ask what I could do differently to ease the pain he sounded agitated and was quick to end the call. He has great bedside manners but after the procedure I felt it was all an act just to get another person to do lasik so they can profit. The next day I was freshly traumatized and wanted answers as to why I felt so much pain and wanted to convey that I was not okay with what happened and he first tried to make light of it then became more cold with clipped responses when I did not reciprocate his lightheartedness.
Apr 5th, 2024

Won't be going back to this place, or any other eye doctor for that matter, since all her tests showed nothing wrong with my eyes. No need to waste my time or theirs if my eyes are fine. Never felt so blown off in my life. Dr. Casey is about the coldest doctor I've ever met. Would give a 0 if I could.
Mar 26th, 2024

Jan 31st, 2024

Jan 20th, 2024

12:54 P.M. still sitting here waiting to see doctor for my 10:45 A.M. appointment. Second appointment in a row this happened. Will be the last. Have done absolutely nothing to help with eye issues.
Jan 5th, 2024