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LASIK Eye/Laser Eye Errors: Risks, Complications, and Legal Recourse

LASIK eye surgery has revolutionized vision correction, providing many individuals with improved eyesight and reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses. While LASIK is generally safe and effective, like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks. In some cases, errors or complications can occur, leading to adverse outcomes for patients.

What Can Go Wrong With LASIK & Laser Eye Surgery?

While LASIK is generally safe, complications can arise in certain cases. Some potential risks and complications associated with LASIK include:

  1. Dry eyes: Reduced tear production or an imbalance in tear composition can lead to dryness and discomfort.
  2. Visual disturbances: Patients may experience halos, glare, double vision, or starbursts around lights, particularly in low-light conditions.
  3. Under correction or over correction: In some cases, the desired visual outcome may not be achieved, resulting in residual refractive errors.
  4. Corneal ectasia: This rare but serious complication involves a weakening and bulging of the cornea, which can lead to blurred or distorted vision.
  5. Infection or inflammation: Although uncommon, infections and inflammation can occur post-surgery and may require medical intervention.

Complications Likely Due To Error

While LASIK is generally a safe procedure, there are complications that can occur due to healthcare provider errors. Some examples include:

  1. Flap complications: Improper creation or lifting of the corneal flap during surgery can lead to complications such as irregular flap edges, flap dislocation, buttonhole (incomplete flap), or free cap (completely separated flap). These errors can affect vision and require additional surgical interventions.

  2. Inaccurate ablation: Errors in the laser ablation process, such as irregular or incomplete corneal reshaping, can result in under-correction, over-correction, or irregular astigmatism. These errors can lead to compromised visual acuity and may require enhancement procedures or corrective lenses.

  3. Infection and inflammation: Improper sterilization techniques or failure to provide appropriate postoperative care can increase the risk of infection or inflammation in the eyes. This can lead to discomfort, delayed healing, and potential vision loss if left untreated.

  4. Dry eyes: Inadequate evaluation of a patient’s pre-existing dry eye condition or failure to provide proper postoperative care can contribute to chronic dryness and discomfort in the eyes. This can negatively impact vision quality and overall patient satisfaction.

  5. Corneal ectasia: In rare cases, improper patient selection or excessive corneal tissue removal during LASIK can weaken the cornea, leading to corneal ectasia. This condition involves progressive bulging and thinning of the cornea, resulting in distorted and compromised vision.

It’s important to note that while these complications can potentially be caused by healthcare provider errors, not all cases are due to malpractice.

Get Legal Advice

While LASIK eye surgery is generally safe and effective, it is not entirely risk-free. Patients who have experienced LASIK errors or complications may have legal recourse to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the healthcare professional or clinic responsible for the error. Each situation is unique, and establishing liability requires a thorough evaluation of the specific circumstances and adherence to the accepted standard of care. It is advisable to consult with a qualified medical malpractice attorney to assess the merits of your case.

If you suspect that you have experienced complications due to healthcare provider errors during LASIK, we encourage you to contact our office at The Baer Law Firm or call us at 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237).

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By Bryan Baer | Posted on May 23, 2023