Common LASIK eye surgery mistakes
Medical Malpractice - October 19, 2023 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
LASIK eye surgery has grown in popularity since its development in 1990, and millions of individuals have benefited from this revolutionary treatment for vision problems. However, there are a number of practitioners performing LASIK who are not fully capable. The result is medical malpractice that leaves patients with a variety of new vision maladies.
When individuals suffer any of the following common LASIK eye surgery mistakes, they need help determining if their situation requires the services of a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer. Because you may suffer lifelong effects and even potential blindness, it’s helpful to understand what can happen and what you should do to pursue justice.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It was developed to address issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is done by making a small incision into the cornea of the eye and reshaping the cornea with a laser. Patients are awake for the surgery, which is typically completed in about 20 minutes.
Patients may have some discomfort and swelling for two to three days, but generally, recovery is very fast. When they develop problems afterward, they may be eligible for a surgical revision, or they may suffer permanent issues due to medical negligence.
Common laser eye surgery mistakes that can qualify as medical malpractice
Because of the delicate nature of the eye and the skill required to successfully operate on it, some patients may become victims of doctors who committed negligence in some form. This operation is very popular, potentially leading physicians to perform it when they are not fully prepared. Other mistakes that could qualify as medical malpractice include:
Inadequate surgical training
If the doctor has not completed the appropriate training and education needed, they could be putting their patients at risk of unnecessary complications. They may fail to recognize whether a person is an appropriate candidate or run into unexpected issues they don’t know how to address.
Failing to screen patients
Even if they are correctly trained to perform the operation, a LASIK surgeon may accept patients who are not good candidates for the surgery. For example, if a patient has peaked corneas, they may suffer serious vision issues afterward.
Surgical mistakes
A doctor who is not fully prepared for surgery may make many kinds of mistakes during the procedure, including:
- Failing to accurately assess the anatomy of the cornea
- Incorrectly making the corneal incision
- Inaccurately applying the laser to the tissue
- Failing to test, maintain, and calibrate the surgical equipment
- Overcorrecting or undercorrecting the initial vision complaint
Poor post-surgery care
When a doctor fails to schedule sufficient follow-up visits for their patients, they contribute to the risk of infection and other post-operation complication. Patients must be clearly educated about caring for their eyes and should receive appropriate care after the procedure to reduce the risk of scarring, failure to heal, and blindness.
What to do if you have experienced a LASIK eye surgery mistake
It’s important to act quickly after cosmetic eye surgery mistakes. You should speak with your doctor, and if they will not address the problem, seek a second opinion to get the medical you need. Once you have received treatment, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand if you have a valid medical malpractice or medical negligence claim. Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare practitioner does not meet a standard of care, resulting in injury to a patient. Your attorney can assess whether the surgeon exhibited negligence.
Negligence is proven when there is a doctor-patient relationship where the doctor has a duty of care to the patient that they fail to uphold. When the patient suffers injury as a direct result of that failure, they can seek damages related to their suffering in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Speak with a qualified attorney today at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
While there is always a risk associated with any surgery, experiencing additional vision problems or even blindness as a result of a LASIK doctor’s negligence is not something you must suffer. If you or a loved one have been the victim of an unprepared or untrained surgeon, you need skilled legal guidance from a qualified attorney in Chicago, IL.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our team is ready to listen to your case in a free initial consultation. We understand the complicated laws around medical malpractice claims and can help you determine whether to seek financial compensation for the wrong done to you. We can prepare your case and file paperwork within the statute of limitations so you don’t lose your chance to seek relief through the courts.
Don’t wait to speak with someone about whether your unsatisfactory eye surgery outcome is due to medical malpractice. Contact our office at (800) 985-1819 or online to schedule your free case evaluation today.
