LASIK, also known as vision correction and eye enhancement surgery, is sought by many people that want better vision without the need for glasses or contacts. These treatments can be very helpful, but it’s important to understand the risks associated with any type of surgery.
The truth is, optometrists are eager to discuss the pros of getting Lasik, but the surgery is not appropriate for everyone. A failure to properly diagnose the patient and consider other treatments can result in partial loss of eyesight or permanent blindness.
We want to acknowledge that laser eye surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, and PRK generally have high success rates. But we can’t understate the risks that are involved, and this happens far too often when a procedure becomes popular and results in massive profits. Those who end up being injured by unnecessary surgery and other acts of negligence can seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
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What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, a surgical procedure that’s performed on the cornea. This is the clear, round film that covers the front of your eye. Using an ultraviolet laser, the surgeon reshapes the cornea by reducing the curvature for nearsightedness and increased it for those who are farsighted.
The procedure costs around $2,600 on average for one eye, and most patients have to bear the entire cost even if they have a health plan. In essence, this is a “cosmetic” procedure, even though it is meant to treat vision impairments like astigmatism and myopia. These conditions can be corrected with glasses and/or contacts, and this is why most health insurance plans will not cover the cost of vision correction surgery.
However, LASIK and related procedures have serious complications that must be weighed against the benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings since 2014 about “disabling symptoms may occur in a significant number of patients” that undergo LASIK surgery. For example, almost 30% of patients developed dry eye after LASIK, while many others report constant glares, halos, starbursts, and ghosting.
Is LASIK Surgery Dangerous?
So, with the possibility of impaired vision and loss of eyesight, one has to question whether LASIK is a safe option for people who need glasses or contacts on a daily basis. And it’s clear that LASIK is heavily marketed as a simple, painless procedure. However, one can say that about many procedures that are done to correct all sorts of problems with our body. Yet, any surgery has inherent risks that must be fully disclosed to the patient.
At the end of the day, laser eye surgery has the potential to cause significant vision problems, including total blindness and other permanent disabilities. It’s also worth noting that up to half of all patients complain of symptoms like burning eyes and blurry vision after a LASIK procedure. Sadly, some people end up regretting the operation, and many of these are cases of unneeded surgery. Patients can also be harmed by surgical errors, meaning that the surgeon or another medical staff member failed to perform their duties in a safe and responsible manner.
Complications from a LASIK Procedure
Even if a surgery is marketed as “virtually” risk-free, there is no denying the complications and injuries reported by LASIK patients. These include:
- Constant eye irritation
- Eye infections
- Chronic dry eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Halos, glares, and other unusual patterns in low-light environments
- Less clear vision
- Complications with the corneal flap (improper adherence to the eye)
- Epithelial ingrowth
- Inflammation under the LASIK flap (diffuse lamellar keratitis)
- Irregular astigmatism
- Neuropathic eye pain
- Keratectasis, or bulging of the eye due to excess tissue removal from the cornea
Risk Factors for LASIK Complications
In recent years, multiple studies have suggested that getting LASIK can increase the potential for long-term complications. This can result in the need for early cataract surgery and serious impairments to your vision. The procedure also makes it harder to detect glaucoma, a condition that can cause blindness without proper treatment.
Certain patients have risk factors that make them unsuitable candidates for laser correction surgery for the eyes. Doctors should not prescribe LASIK for those with:
- Dry eyes
- Enlarged pupils
- Irregular / thin corneas
- Advanced age
- Unstable vision
- High refractive error
- Being pregnant
- Having an autoimmune disorder
What is Lasik Malpractice?
When a medical professional does something wrong during a LASIK surgery, the patient can develop permanent complications that diminish their vision or take away their eyesight altogether. Others are left with the irritation and discomfort of chronic dry eyes. Examples of LASIK surgery malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis of a patient’s eye condition
- Operating on a candidate that is not suited for LASIK
- Recommending an improper procedure
- Inadequate / incorrect surgical treatment plan
- Error by a nurse, technician or someone other than the surgeon
- Improper post-operative care
- Unnecessary surgery / revision surgery
Contact an Eye Surgery Medical Malpractice Attorney
The FDA estimates that anywhere from 10 to 20 million people in the U.S. have had some form of vision correction surgery since 1990. That’s astounding to think about, considering that the procedure is elective and not covered by most health insurance plans. Sadly, some patients regret their decision, as they were never told about the problems they may experience in the long run. Others were injured from botched LASIK procedures because of negligence by the medical staff.
Malpractice by a healthcare provider can form the basis of a lawsuit for monetary damages. Affected patients and their loved ones may be eligible for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. For more information on your rights and legal options, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Normandie Law Firm.
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Do you have concerns regarding how much it costs to hire a medical malpractice lawyer in California? The answer is $0 here at Normandie Law Firm, where all clients are protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee. Since we operate on contingency, we charge you nothing at the point of hiring us. Then, we ask the negligent party to include legal fees in the settlement you receive from a successful claim. In other words, we do not make a single cent unless you receive compensation.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Zero Fee Guarantee, reach out to us 24/7 at our office in Los Angeles.
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