Island Knowledge - National Expertise
Eye Surgery Clinical Negligence Claims on the IoW
Any delay in diagnosis or incorrect surgical treatment can have serious consequences for the patient’s vision.
There are many different types of ophthalmic (eye) operations for a range of medical and cosmetic conditions.
Any loss or deterioration of vision can have a massive impact on a person’s day to day life. Should clinical negligence be the cause, then it is important you receive sufficient compensation to cope with the consequences.
The Glanvilles Damant clinical negligence team are ready to discuss any potential claim you may have in relation to eye surgery. There are three types of surgery in particular where claims often arise – laser eye surgery, cataract surgery and retinal detachment.
Laser Eye Surgery
This type of surgery is cosmetic, allowing the patient to see without the need for glasses or contact lenses and is usually paid for privately.
- Laser surgery can provide positive results but as with all surgical procedures, these are risky. Not all patients are suitable for the procedure so a full assessment should be carried out by a doctor before proceeding.
- Even with thorough assessments, after surgery some patients may continue to need glasses, suffer from halos or glare or have dry eyes. Serious complications include double vision, corneal scarring and sometimes eyesight deterioration.
- Clinical negligence claims can arise if the patient has not been properly assessed for the surgery, not been fully informed of the risk or suffered loss of vision due to surgical error.
Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye and usually occurs later in life due to age related degeneration. Cataracts can also run in families or occur in patients with diabetes.
- During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from your eye and replaced by new plastic artificial lens.
- There are a number of recognised complications with the procedure. These include infections and swelling and posterior capsule opacification which causes cloudy vision due to skin growing over the new lens. These complications can usually be treated with medication or further surgery.
- Clinical negligence claims can be made is the patient was incorrectly assessed prior to surgery, an inappropriate artificial lens inserted of if the operation was carried out poorly.
Retinal Detachment
A detached retina is a very serious ophthalmic condition that can lead to blindness. It can occur through age related degeneration, trauma to the eye or as a complication of eye surgery.
- It is treated surgically. The aim is to put the retina back in place and keep it in place while it heals.
- Early symptoms of retinal detachment can be quite subtle and can be confused with other ophthalmic conditions. However, it is very important that it is identified and treated as quickly as possible to prevent any loss of vision.
- Clinical negligence claims often relate to a delay in diagnosis. It is also important that the surgery to reattach the retina is performed quickly and correctly.
There are many other ophthalmic conditions including glaucoma where a delay in diagnosis or incorrect surgical treatment can create serious consequences for a patient’s vision. If you have any concerns in relation to eye surgery or procedures undertaken, please contact our team of experienced solicitors. With clinical negligence claims regarding eye surgery, we operate under a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement.
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