Eye Surgery & Ophthalmic Negligence Claims UK

Eye Surgery and Ophthalmic Negligence

Laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK, PRK): Elective procedures with specific risks. Negligence includes operating on patients who are not suitable candidates, using outdated equipment, poor surgical technique causing irregular astigmatism or corneal ectasia, and failure to explain risks including the possibility of worse vision after surgery. Cataract surgery: One of the most common NHS operations. Complications include posterior capsule rupture, endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye), dropped lens fragments, and retinal detachment. Not all complications are negligent, but failure to recognise and manage them promptly can be.

Glaucoma misdiagnosis: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve gradually and irreversibly. Early detection through routine eye examinations is essential. Negligence includes failure to measure eye pressure, failure to examine the optic disc, failure to refer to an ophthalmologist when signs are present, and delays in treatment allowing irreversible vision loss. Retinal detachment: A medical emergency. Symptoms include flashing lights, floaters, and a shadow in the peripheral vision. Failure to diagnose and treat promptly (usually within 24 to 48 hours) can result in permanent vision loss.

Optician negligence: Opticians are often the first line of detection for serious eye conditions. Failure to identify signs of glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or papilloedema (swelling indicating raised intracranial pressure, which can signal a brain tumour) during a routine eye examination can constitute negligence if earlier referral would have changed the outcome.

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