Laser Eye Surgery Compensation

Around 100,000 people have laser eye surgery each year and as this type of surgery is often held out by private surgeries, prices of the treatment can usually be negotiated between patient and surgeon. Some surgeries offer prices as low as £750 for both eyes, which is why more and more people are being drawn to the idea of a life without glasses or contacts.

Laser surgery involves changing the shape of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil to allow people to see better and have improved vision. Obviously the cornea is a very delicate part of the eye and surgeons must be fully-trained to perform this type of procedure.

The huge majority of people who have undergone laser eye surgery have been happy with their results, but unfortunately there are cases of medical negligence when it comes to corrective laser eye surgery. 

This is usually down to private surgeries who have "surgeons" who are not fully-trained or qualified to perform such intricate surgery. According to the British journal of Ophthalmology, the failure rate of laser eye surgery is 1 in 10, not the 1 in 1000 rate private surgeries will often advertise. Even if the surgery fails, in most cases, patients will go away with vision just as they previously had, but in rare cases the vision might have worrened - this is when you need to consider seeing a solicitor about a medical negligence claim.

Patients should be fully warned of the risks laser eye surgery entails and then given time to go away and think carefully about whether they want to go ahead with the surgery or not. Often there will be side-effects of the surgery for up to a month, but if conditions worsen and don't improve over time, you should consider getting specialist advice and contacting the surgery to make sure your surgery went as it should have.

In worst cases scenarios here are some of the following problems that can occur if surgery is not conducted correctly, if you experience any of these for longer than a month after surgery, you should consult your surgeon for further advice.

Blindness

Patients who lose their sight in one or both of their eyes after laser eye surgery being performed incorrectly. This is of course extremely rare but claims such as these do occur.

Deterioration in vision

The huge majority of people who undergo eye surgery report improved vision and better sight but occasionally, when mistakes occur, vision in one or both eyes deteriorates and this can only be improved by more surgery.

Dryness

Burning, stinging or dryness are well-known after-effects of eye surgery but should not last longer than a few weeks after surgery. If you are still suffering from these effects a month after surgery you should consult your surgdon immediately as you may need to undergo more surgery to get rid of these symptoms.

Night-vision problems

Some patients will have problems with their vision at night, which will not allow them to perform usual tasks such as driving in the evening. If problems continue long-term with your night vision, well after your surgery you should see your surgeon immediately.


Article Source: Clair O'Hara