Ophthalmology and Optometry Medical Malpractice
Although there are risks associated with ophthalmic (pertaining to the eye) surgeries, your surgeon and other medical care providers have the duty to protect your health and vision by adhering to accepted standards of care. In addition, it is critical that certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, are diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent the progression of vision loss or eye injury.
There are multiple types of ophthalmologic surgeries that can result in further injury to the patient should negligence occur, including neuro-ophthalmologic, pediatric, corneal transplant, retinal, cataract, trauma, and plastic surgeries.
Glaucoma Lawsuit Help
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that can cause damage to the optic nerve and over time result in vision loss and blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma and vision lost due to disease progression can not be restored. However, glaucoma can usually be managed by medication or surgery making early diagnosis and treatment critical to the prevention of further optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Your eye doctor can detect glaucoma through an eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, visual field test, dilated eye exam to assess the optic nerve, and tonometry (the measurement of pressure inside of the eye.)
Glaucoma medical malpractice may occur if an eye doctor fails to diagnose, treat, and monitor the condition, resulting in injury to the patient.
Negligence can also occur if the eye doctor or eye surgeon fails adhere to the accepted standards of care before, during, and after glaucoma surgeries, including failure to inform the patient of surgical risks, and failure to recognize and treat complications post surgery.
LASIK Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Help
LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery employed to improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. During LASIK surgery the shape of the cornea is changed by making a flap of the corneal tissue, folding back the flap, and then using a laser to remove or reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The amount of corneal tissue that is removed must be carefully calculated prior to the procedure.
LASIK medical malpractice can occur if the surgery is performed on the wrong type of patient, not performed correctly, or if the patient is not followed or treated for post-surgical complications.
- Prior to LASIK Surgery – An eye doctor or surgeon must determine if there are any underlying patient health concerns that would contraindicate LASIK surgery or increase a patient’s risk of experiencing surgical complications. In other words, is the patient a good candidate for successful LASIK surgery? Some conditions that may increase risk include keratoconus (a disease that affects the shape of the cornea), pellucid corneal degeneration, unstable vision (required a prescription change in the past year), autoimmune disease or medications that affect wound healing, dry eyes, and large pupil size.
- During LASIK Surgery – Examples of errors that can occur during LASIK surgery include flap incision or flap creation issues, incorrect laser settings affecting the amount of corneal tissue that is removed, and the use of malfunctioning equipment.
- Post LASIK Surgery – LASIK medical malpractice can also occur after surgery. Examples include failure to diagnose or treat post LASIK corneal ectasia (a rare but serious complication believed to occur as a result of removing too much corneal tissue), inflammation, and infection.
Recovering Compensation for Eye Doctor Medical Malpractice
Establishing negligence requires a careful review of your medical records, and the supporting opinion of an expert that a deviation from the standard of care has occurred. In addition, it will be necessary to prove that the deviation caused, or resulted in the specific injury.
As the victim of medical malpractice you may have the right to be compensated for your past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg for a Free Eye Doctor Opthamology Malpractice Lawsuit Case Evaluation
Since 1984, the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg has represented the seriously injured with personal injury recoveries totaling over $800 million on behalf of the firm’s clients. Let us help you take the first steps towards seeking the compensation that you deserve.
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of an eye care or eye surgery error, and you have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free medical malpractice lawsuit case evaluation from our firm by selecting Eye Doctor Error Lawsuit Evaluation. You can also contact us toll free at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.
