LASIK, pronounced LAY-sik, is an acronym for LAser in SItu Keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive laser eye surgery performed by ophthalmologists to correct vision loss caused by myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Because the eyes are extremely fragile and irreplaceable, LASIK surgery naturally involves some risk. Consequently, not every bad outcome with LASIK results in an actionable LASIK malpractice claim. LASIK surgery malpractice, which is a type of medical malpractice, occurs when a doctor’s negligence, or failure to use reasonable care, causes serious injury to a LASIK surgery patient. LASIK malpractice also occurs when a doctor fails to provide a LASIK surgery patient with a reasonable explanation of known possible complications and the patient later experiences an injury.
With LASIK surgery, there are a few complications the surgeons should anticipate and explain to patients so that each patient can make an informed decision about whether to undergo the procedure. To begin with, LASIK surgeons should always inform patients about the risk of blindness. Fortunately, because LASIK surgery procedures have been refined over many years, very few LASIK patients actually lose their vision.
Another complication that LASIK patients should be informed about prior to surgery is the possibility of cataract formation in the crystalline lens of the eye. Cataracts make the lens so foggy that light can no longer pass through to reach the cornea, causing temporary vision loss. While a cataract can be cured by performing a lens implant, this requires additional eye surgery, which carries the risk of additional complications, such as infection and eye damage.
Where myopia is being corrected, prospective LASIK surgery patients should be warned about the risk of cornea scarring where the laser in the surgery is focused. Scarring filters the light passing through the central cornea and causes the formation of clouds and haze which leads to vision loss. Patients suffering from cornea scarring after LASIK often complain of seeing a glare and/or halos
Finally, LASIK patients should also be warned about the risk of epithelial in-growth. Epithelial in-growth occurs during the first month following LASIK and is more likely to occur in patients with an abnormal or weakly adherent protective layer, for which age is a factor. Epithelial in-growth is produced when epithelial surface cells grow underneath the corneal flap during the healing of the corneal flap incision. Treatment of this condition involves lifting the flap and clearing the cells away. Although most small areas of epithelial in-growth need only be monitored, untreated large areas of epithelial in-growth may distort vision and may actually damage the flap integrity.
If you believe you were the victim of LASIK malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Visit Consumer Injury Lawyers for free information about LASIK surgery malpractice lawsuits and other forms of medical malpractice, including chiropractic stroke lawsuits and gastric bypass malpractice.
