Laser eye surgery (also known as refractive) aims to improve vision, reducing a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. It can permanently correct short sight (myopia), long sight (hyperopia) and astigmatism (uneven focussing power). It is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering in front of the eye. Unlike most operations to cure eye disease, it is only performed on healthy eyes.

There are several different types of laser eye surgery. LASIK is currently by far the most popular, but alternative procedures such as PRK, or a lens implantation technique are suitable in selected circumstances. Wavefront technology is also now generally available, which can correct long/short sight and other aberrations such as night vision problems.

Millions of patients have had laser eye surgery to correct their vision and the majority of operations are successful. Unfortunately, many have had a less than satisfactory outcome.

What are the risks?

The main risks are as follows:

(i) Patients lose vision

(ii) Patients develop debilitating visual symptoms such as glare, halos and/or double vision. Night time vision can also be affected or you may not be able to see as well in hazy conditions such as fog.

(iii) Patients may be under or over treated.

(iv) Patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome

(v) For some farsighted patients, results may diminish with age

(vi) Laser eye surgery is a relatively new technology and long-term data is not available. There have been some concerns over faulty or defective laser eye surgery equipment.

Liability Issues

i. Was the care of a standard below that which is required? Was the treatment given that most reasonable surgeons would endorse or in fact do themselves?

ii. Did this poor level of care actually cause of contribute to the injury and/or illnesses complained of.

Compensation

i. What is the extent of the injury? What are the physical and psychological consequences over and above any resulting from the illness actually being treated?

ii. Are there any financial consequences for the Claimant such as lost earnings, future care or disability on the open labour market.

Once all of these matters have been considered, one of our specialist claims solicitors will be able to advise as to your prospects of successfully making a claim for your injuries.

In all cases, your medical records will be obtained from the Hospital or Doctor’s Surgery and this evidence will form the evidence of any claim.

How do I make a claim?

If you have suffered an eye injury as a result of poor medical treatment and/or negligence within the last three years, please complete the Claim Assessment Form. One of our specialist claims solicitors will contact you to discuss matters.

Please note that all of our Claims Solicitors act on a no-win, no-fee basis and the legal advice that they give is free. You will receive 100% of any compensation awarded.

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a specialist injury solicitor.