Maryland LASIK Malpractice Lawyer
Since it was developed more than 30 years ago, LASIK laser eye surgery has become one of the most common types of elective surgery. For those who no longer want to rely on glasses or contact lenses for improved eyesight, LASIK surgery can be an effective way of achieving better vision. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved.
If an ophthalmologist or medical doctor fails to adequately explain those risks, or if a LASIK patient is injured as a result of the surgeon’s medical negligence, compensation for injuries and damages may be available through a Maryland LASIK malpractice claim. If you or a loved one has experienced LASIK surgery complications due to the negligence of a doctor, a Maryland medical malpractice attorney can help you recover damages for your pain and suffering.
LASIK Eye Surgery
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is an outpatient surgical procedure that can improve eyesight and reduce glasses-dependency in people who are farsighted, nearsighted, or have astigmatism.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser or surgical knife to cut a flap in the cornea. The surgeon then folds the flap back and uses a laser to remove a specific amount of corneal tissue.
This changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision. In most cases, a person who has had LASIK surgery will have his or her vision improved to somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.
Risks Associated with LASIK
Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery, and your doctor or ophthalmologist should discuss with you whether or not LASIK may be right for you. A doctor should also obtain informed consent from the patient. This means that the physician explains the possible risks and side effects of the procedure and allows the patient to make a decision based upon this knowledge.
According to the AAO, certain people are not good candidates for refractive surgery. These include the following individuals:
- pregnant women
- people with dry eye syndrome
- individuals under the age of 21
- people with age-related presbyopia
- people with keratoconus, a degenerative corneal condition
- individuals with certain other health conditions or eye conditions
Risks Include:
- Pain and discomfort
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Poor night vision
- Light sensitivity
- Glares or “halos”
- Vision loss or blindness
- Contrast sensitivity, or reduced vision sharpness
- Infection or inflammation
- Problems with the corneal flap
- Bleeding
These risks are associated with the LASIK procedure and are not necessarily indicative of malpractice. However, your doctor should inform you of these and other risks prior to performing the procedure.
Defining LASIK Malpractice
LASIK malpractice in Maryland is a type or ophthalmology malpractice that occurs when a doctor fails to provide a professional standard of care resulting in patient harm. LASIK malpractice may include:
- Inadequate pre-screening
- Lack of informed consent
- Improper use of equipment
- Malfunctioning equipment
- False claims or advertisement
If any of the above acts of negligence or recklessness leads to the injury of a patient, financial compensation may be available through a medical malpractice or products liability (medical equipment) lawsuit. Plaintiffs may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income or earning potential.
Free Evaluation of LASIK Malpractice Claims
Call today to speak with a Maryland LASIK malpractice attorney about a filing a claim involving laser eye surgery.
