LASIK Eye Surgery Malpractice Attorneys
LASIK Eye Surgery Risks
LASIK is one of the most popular medical procedures of the last 20 years. But did you know that this eye surgery carries significant risk to some patients? Did you know that LASIK can cause dry eyes, serious visual disability. even blindness?
Though actual mistakes during the LASIK procedure are rare (the operation is fairly straightforward), complications often do arise during the screening process. Doctors who don't recognize and/or let their patients know that they are not good candidates for eye surgery can set their patients up for serious complications and risks. Though LASIK frequently has positive outcomes, and risks have decreased since the surgery's inception in 1990, serious consequences can follow LASIK.
Though most LASIK complications can resolve soon after surgery, there are several risks to the procedure. The most common complications arise from the surgeon failing to properly screen patients for keratoconus, and thin corneas. Keratoconus is a genetic disease. Very few individuals have the condition known as keratoconus. Keratoconus is a contraindication to LASIK surgery. It is a progressive thinning of the cornea, and could eventually lead to corneal grafts without ever having LASIK surgery. Forme fruste keratoconus ("FFK") and early keratoconus are also genetic conditions. However, unlike full blown or "frank" keratoconus, they are relatively stable, and cause very limited problems with a person's vision. When a cornea or refractive surgeon operates on an individual who has one of these diseases, the surgery causes the disease to hasten creating post -LASIK ectasia. Post-LASIK ectasia is the laser induced thinning of the cornea, and creates the wide range of visual problems, and can eventually result in corneal transplants. In the best case scenario, a patient may develop dry eyes; in the worst cases, blindness, and permanent visual distortions can occur.
Each LASIK complication is as different as its victim, as is apparent in the informed consent pamphlets LASIK surgery centers give to their patients prior to surgery. These informed consent pamphlets can be pages and pages long, listing the possible side effects and risk of having LASIK surgery performed. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the procedure and the vast financial resources of this highly profitable industry, few have come forward to obtain the compensation they deserve for their LASIK injuries. Though the procedure does carry risks, a doctor's failure to properly screen and/or perform the surgery could support a valid medical malpractice suit. You could claim damages related to loss of income, pain and suffering, including depression related to your visual disability, and related to medical costs of a careless LASIK procedure.
The Law Office of Todd J. Krouner is dedicated to helping LASIK malpractice victims get justice - and compensation - in and out of court. Call today for a free case consultation and more information on our LASIK lawsuit services.