About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve and is often characterized by high fluid pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). Since this increased pressure can cause vision loss, treatments for glaucoma seek to enable or increase the release of fluid from the eye. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the US; but the condition can often be treated with medication and does not require surgery. Sometimes these medications fail to control fluid pressure in the eye, or sometimes their side effects are intolerable to the patient. In these cases, surgery to treat glaucoma may be performed.

Surgical Treatment For Glaucoma

There are two main surgical treatments for glaucoma – laser surgery and filtration surgery and while both can be successful, both surgeries also come with potential serious complications.

In laser surgery, called laser trabeculoplasty, a laser burns tiny holes in the drainage area and forms a scar, resulting in increased drainage of fluid from the eye. The procedure is short, includes little discomfort, and generally has few complications. But the laser surgery oftentimes is not a complete cure, and patients need to continue their use of medications and eye drops following the procedure.

Complications:  In about 35% of patients, there is an actual increase in fluid pressure in the eye following laser surgery. While this typically subsides, in some cases it is permanent and leads to vision loss. Laser surgery can also cause complications that cause the iris to stick to the cornea.

In filtration surgery, called a Trabeculectomy, a flap is made in the eyeball to create passage for fluid to drain out. The surgery may include removal or part of the iris though this is not required. A small bleb or bubble generally forms near the opening in the eye, which is a sign that fluid is draining out.

Complications:  While this procedure is normally highly effective, there are common complications associated with it. Blebs, especially thin ones created by mediocre surgery, commonly leak and put patients at risk of infection of the eye, bleeding, flattening of the eye, and dangerous inflammation. Filtration surgery may also cause significant scarring that blocks up drainage in the eye and leads to increased pressure again. Complications or problems from either leaking blebs or scarring can require additional surgical intervention, a great deal of pain, and eventually loss of eyesight.

Glaucoma Surgery Malpractice Attorneys

Serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey

The number one malpractice claim against glaucoma surgery treatments is that the procedure was incorrectly performed on them. Problems you are experiencing with your eyes may be a result of your doctor’s poor performance either during surgery or in diagnosing your problem.

If you are going through problems or complications from glaucoma surgery, it is important that you get legal advice quickly and from experienced attorneys. You may be entitled to compensation for your suffering but you need to act before the statute of limitations to file a claim expires.

For a free consultation, call our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law office toll free at 866-720-4699.

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