With the advent of so many innovative eye operations -- including LASIK surgery and cataract and glaucoma surgical advances -- the ophthalmology field is now familiar to millions of Americans. Unfortunately, the number of eye surgeries that has resulted in medical malpractice litigation has risen. Despite the fact that many eye operations are elective surgeries, they are still surgeries that carry significant risks. Advertisements may label eye surgeries as "minor," but those minor operations can result in serious, permanent injury including blindness.
While there are risks and complications associated with any medical procedure, many surgical eye injuries are the direct result of an ophthalmologist’s negligence.
The popularity of LASIK (also known as refractive eye surgery), cataract and other eye surgeries means that ophthalmologists are in high demand. Unfortunately, any high-demand, high-volume surgery creates the potential for medical negligence. An ophthalmologist might fail to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a specific eye surgery. The doctor might make a simple surgical mistake during the procedure or inadequately treat post-operative eye complications. Possible injuries during eye surgery include:
* Hemorrhaging (hyphema)
* Glaucoma correction injuries
* Cataract and lens replacement error
* Dry eye
* Blurry vision
* Blindness
* Loss of contrast sensitivity
* Retinal damage
* Double vision
* Corneal abrasion
* Myopia (night darkness)
* Infection
* Corneal haze
* Corneal staining
* Eye flap-related injuries
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice caused by an ophthalmologist, you may be entitled to damages including medical expenses, lost wages and other compensation.