Known Risk or Malpractice?

All surgeries carry some known risks and can result in complications.  But it is important to contact an attorney if you have suffered complications in healing after eye surgery to discuss your situation.  There is a difference between unavoidable complications from known associated risks of surgery and complications caused by professional medical negligence malpractice, and only a lawyer can tell you if you have a case.

For an overview of the difference between known risks and medical malpractice, read “Medical Malpractice vs. Known Associated Risks,” and contact our attorneys immediately to arrange for a free consultation if you think you may be the victim of medical malpractice.

Complications in Healing After Ophthalmic Surgery

Dry eyes — An interruption of the corneal nerve that produces tears, this common side effect usually goes away within weeks. But patients with dry eyes prior to surgery or who are unsuitable candidates for LASIK may suffer from chronic dry eye syndrome long afterward.

Flap complications — In refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK), a microkeratome cuts a ring of tiny incisions in the surface of the cornea, leaving a hinged flap that can be peeled back. The laser is then used to shape the underlying cornea (ablation) to make it more steep or more flat to correct vision. The flap is then replaced and normally heals in a few weeks. Common complications can include:

• Lost flap — The micro thin layer is lost or irreparably damaged during surgery.
• Melt — The flap disintegrates after surgery.
• Wrinkles, folds or buttonhole in the flap
• Decentering — The flap slips off the surface and adheres out of position
• Infection in the cornea
• Sands of the Sahara — A pattern of white blood cells similar to tiny sand dunes created by the action of the microkeratome
• Debris or irregular cell growth under the flap

Some flap problems are self-repairing. Some require immediate intervention or stoppage of the procedure. Others require surgical re-treatment later. Any complication may result in lasting visual effects.

Corneal ectasia — The surgery causes the cornea to distort or elongate over time, altering vision. Retreatment by LASIK is not typically an option. Special glasses or contacts may be needed. In extreme cases, a corneal transplant is required.

Central Corneal Islands — If the laser surgery does not remove tissue uniformly, the patient may experience irregularities on the cornea. This is a rare condition, and it usually resolves itself, but may require further treatment.

Epithelial Ingrowths — Cells growing under the corneal flap after surgery can have an adverse impact on vision. If the cells fail to stop growing, or are not reabsorbed in to the cornea, this condition may require further surgery.

Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK) — Foreign bodies trapped under the corneal flap after surgery can cause pain, blurring, light sensitivity or irritation. This is a dangerous condition but easily treated if caught early.

Vision fluctuation — Eyesight changes from day to day.

Regression — Vision is initially improved, but the cornea reverts to its original shape. Retreatment may or may not be possible.

Induced astigmatism — The eye surgery results in scars or irregularities in the cornea that affect the eye’s ability to focus.

Inner eye complications — Eye surgeries can disturb the vitreous, the clear, thick fluid that fills the eyeball. This can cause retina detachment (separation of the vitreous from the light-focusing retina or result in “floaters” debris suspended in the vitreous seen as spots in the field of vision). A macular hole developed in the retina can make the eye partially blind.

Blindness — Blindness is a very rare outcome of eye surgery. But visual effects, infections and other complications of eye surgery can be very debilitating. They may make employment unfeasible, driving dangerous or reading all but impossible. Everyday chores can become difficult, favorite activities joyless. Some patients will have to go back to wearing contact lenses or need to wear eyeglasses.

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