Coming Out: LASIK Eye Injuries

Last month, MLB.com reported that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Casper Wells, became fearful of getting injured because of post-LASIK vision complications.  Since his surgery in November 2012, Wells suffered from chronic dry eye and blurry vision.  I do not know Casper Wells, but I imagine he suffers from glare and halos under the stadium lights too.  Our client, Tom Baird, is a Phillies fan, who has post-LASIK ectasia.  This is what the outfield at Citizens Bank Park looked like to him before he required a corneal transplant.

I was thinking about Casper Wells, and his reported $500,000 annual salary, when I read a recent article in The New York Times, “Quandary of Hidden Disabilities: Conceal or Reveal?”  I am confident that Wells is not the only professional athlete who suffers career threatening vision complications as a result of LASIK surgery.   I have consulted personally with another professional baseball player.  Who wants to complain?  Who wants to raise doubts?  Who wants to jeopardize his or her lucrative contract?

The issue is not limited to professional athletes.  It includes people from all walks of life, including health care workers, doctors, pharmacists, people who work in finance, military personnel, pilots and truck drivers.  These individuals, like Casper Wells, try to balance their performance against obvious safety concerns.  None look disabled.  None want to take disability benefits.  None want to be discriminated against by their employers or co-workers.  Consequently, few ask for workplace accommodations, even though such accommodations would be of certain benefit.

How many patients have LASIK complications?  Until more courageous people like Casper Wells come forward, we will never know.  Most just suffer in silence.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a doctor, you should promptly contact an attorney with experience in medical malpractice.  The Law Office of Todd J. Krouner has a proven track record of helping patients injured by LASIK (and other forms of medical malpractice) all over the country.  To determine if you have a strong case, contact us for a free consultation at (914) 238-5800.