What to do in the Event of a Failed Cataract Surgery

What to do in the Event of a Failed Cataract Surgery

A cataract surgery is a very common surgery that is performed at any stage of the development of cataract. The most effective treatment for this condition is called a capsulotomy, which involves cutting into the capsule of the cloudy lens directly. A synthetic lens replaces the natural lens which is completely removed from the eye. Cataract surgeries are of two types: extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE).

Cataract Surgery and Medical Malpractice

Cataract surgeries usually have fantastic success rates, but there are times that patients might suffer injuries resulting from medical errors made by nurses, doctors, and hospitals. Some injuries might not be as serious as others, while other injuries may also require additional surgeries and also extensive medical treatment at times. A failed cataract surgery may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.

In extreme cases, if death is caused by a failed cataract surgery, it might also lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. Every medical procedure comes with its own set of risks. Not all complications arise out of medical errors and malpractice. But if your injuries have been caused due to negligence, or a mistake, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

The Procedure of Cataract Surgery

When a natural lens of the eye develops opacification or a cataract, it requires a surgery to remove it. This surgery is called a cataract surgery. Over time, the natural lens of the eye undergoes some metabolic changes which lead to loss of transparency and the development of a cataract. This causes impairment or loss of vision. During a cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of a patient is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens so that the transparency of the lens is restored.

The Risks Involved in a Cataract Surgical Procedure

The most common risks of a failed cataract surgical procedure are:

• Decrease or loss of vision
• Loss of eye
• Bleeding behind or inside the eye
• Pain in the eye
• Droopy eyelid or lazy eye
• Swelling of the cornea
• Swelling of the central portion of the retina
• Displacement or dislocation of the synthetic lens implant
• Hyperopia or myopia resulting from inaccurate eye measurements before the surgery
• Cyanopsia in which a patient's vision is always tinted blue
• Floaters

Though these risks are fairly common, they might also result from medical malpractice and negligence. If you suffer from any post-surgery complications, you should notify your physician immediately so that the issue may be identified, evaluated, and treated effectively.

If these medical conditions are ignored, it may cause further complications such as blurred vision or even blindness for the patient. If a patient's condition is ignored or misdiagnosed or if any illegitimate blindness is caused, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice case. That is why a medical malpractice lawyer should be contacted who can help you extract the most out of your settlement.