Corrective eye surgery whether done by lasers or lens replacement has become increasingly popular and affordable especially in the past few years. The procedure involves the use of lasers which will reshape the cornea of a person’s eye to achieve clear vision.

However as with all surgeries, this procedure is not risk free - on average there is a 5% complication rate.

The most common types of laser surgery offered by opticians are: -

• LASIK which is the most popular type of surgery. This is carried out with two lasers. A thin layer is opened up, and the cornea is re-shaped.
• SMILE this involves re-shaping the cornea through keyhole surgery. 
• Surface laser treatment – the cells on the surface of the are displaced or removed. The cornea is then treated with a laser. This treatment is offered to those who are deemed unsuitable for LASIK treatment.

Whilst corrective surgery is often marketed as a ‘quick fix’ it is important to realise that this is still a medical procedure which can lead to permanent damage or blindness, if not all patients are vetted correctly prior to the procedure taking place. 

For example; if the patient has an underlying eye condition which is not detected prior to the procedure and the Ophthalmologist fails to treat this condition resulting in receiving surgery which the patient was not a suitable candidate this could lead to further corrective surgery, damage and possible blindness.

Practitioners such as Ophthalmologists/ Ophthalmic Surgeons have a duty of care to their patient that conforms to the standard reasonably expected of a competent practitioner.

Similarly, if a treating Ophthalmologist carries out the treatment but fails to notice any damage such as a detached retina and fails to treat this within a suitable period thus causing pain and suffering then this something which may fall under the expert’s duty of care.

It is important that all patients are advised of any proposed risks prior to the procedure being carried out and are given adequate after care guidance.

If you have suffered any kind of permanent damage or disability following a procedure of this nature due to surgical error or negligence, then you may be entitled to claim compensation.

If you think you may have a claim following negligent laser eye surgery, please contact us to discuss the matter on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you right away.