Medical advancements mean that a wide range of eye conditions can be remedied which otherwise would have led to certain blindness only decades ago.

Specialist ophthalmic microscopes, instruments, and refined techniques mean that eye surgeons can replace lenses and reattach retinas, restoring full vision to patients.  Eye surgery is also widely utilised for cosmetic reasons, including for the correction of congenital deformities, damage due to injury, and excessive fat and skin due to ageing.  And outside of the conventional operating theatre, many undergo corrective laser surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Regardless of the setting in which eye treatments occur, physicians have a duty of care to protect our health, and failure to do so can constitute clinical negligence.  Given the highly sensitive nature of the eye, the levels of care required are extremely high; even the smallest error can cause irreparable loss of sight.

Before proceeding with any surgery, the medical professional undertaking your procedure must explain the process and the risks associated.

What Types of Eye Injuries can occur due to Medical Negligence?

A wide range of eye injuries may occur if ophthalmic procedures are not carried out with due care, including:

• Failure, delay or incorrect diagnosis of an eye condition

• Substandard cataract surgery

• Infection

• Scarring

• Loss of or impaired sight due to poor surgical technique

• Nerve damage

• Damage to optical nerves

• Damage to muscles of the eye

• Asymmetry of the eyes

• Removal of too much skin

• Damage to the eye surface