Tens of millions of people in the United States have undergone LASIK eye surgery since it was first developed. While this operation has helped the majority of these people improve their eyesight and eliminate the need for corrective lenses, some people have experienced extensive damage and eye injury as a result of LASIK.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis surgery, more commonly known as LASIK eye surgery, is a procedure to correct certain vision problems in which a laser reshapes the cornea of the eye. Many people who have LASIK surgery no longer need glasses or contacts after the procedure, as it is commonly used to correct vision problems such as:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is often performed in an ophthalmologist’s office.

How Do LASIK Eye Surgery Injuries Occur?

The surgery is not reversible, and severe injuries such as blindness or ocular disfigurement can occur. Mistakes and errors during the procedure can include:

  • Blade slips
  • Suction device malfunction
  • Misaligned suction ring
  • Debris in the eye
  • Faulty calibration of computer-assisted equipment

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery, so mistakes can also occur if your doctor fails to perform a thorough screening and patient history to establish your candidacy for the procedure. For instance, the following conditions could put a patient at an increased risk of complications following LASIK surgery:

  • Pregnancy
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Lupus
  • HIV/AIDS

People who use steroids or play high-contact sports may also not be considered ideal candidates due to the potential for complications and increased risks.

Eye injuries often have life-altering consequences, which is why your LASIK eye surgery injury claim needs dedicated legal representation from an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC’s legal team has over a century of combined experience fighting for clients in Connecticut. Your case is in the right hands when you trust us with your injury claim.

Proving Fault for LASIK Eye Surgery Injuries

If your doctor or other medical professional makes a mistake or is negligent before, during, or immediately after your LASIK eye surgery, injuries and complications may include:

  • Double vision and other vision issues
  • Dry eye
  • Loss of vision
  • Burns on the eye
  • Chronic pain
  • Poor night vision
  • Eye infection
  • Scarring

When your vision or eye is damaged, it makes sense that you would want to hold the at-fault person responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Each case is unique, and identifying the person who is to blame might not be as straightforward as it initially seems.

Your surgeon or ophthalmologist may be to blame for a surgical error. An operating room nurse may be at fault for faulty equipment setup. An equipment manufacturer could be responsible if they produce faulty machines. How you proceed with your LASIK eye surgery injury case will depend on who is at fault, and your attorney can help you identify the person who caused your injury.

Not all negative effects of LASIK surgery are considered medical malpractice or negligence. In some situations, everyone does everything right and the results are still not favorable. We can help you find out which side of this line your case is on – faultless negative outcome or negligent malpractice.

Contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule your free consultation.