Vision Worsened After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is common, but still carries the risk of complications. While there is no guarantee that any surgery will be successful and without problems, cataract surgery presents the potential for very serious, life changing complications. One of these potential complications is when the patient’s vision worsens after surgery. Below is a description of medical malpractice that can cause a cataract patient’s vision to worsen.

Performance of Cataract Surgery

Surgery to correct cataracts is common and has been performed for years, but that does not make it a safe surgery. Medical malpractice during cataract surgery can result in the cataracts not being cured or the patient’s vision worsening after the surgery. A patient may also be made blind if the malpractice is serious enough.

The Appearance of Malpractice

Cataract malpractice may not immediately appear. Rather, it is more common for a patient to realize over time that the surgery did not correct their cataracts or that their cataracts have gotten worse. A patient typically has two years from the date of the malpractice or from when the malpractice injury became know or should have been made known to file a lawsuit or claim for damages. Vision worsening can take the form of sensitivity to light, blurred vision, partial or total blindness or a failure to cure the cataract.

Why Malpractice Can Occur

Unfortunately, there are many different reasons why a patient’s vision can worsen after cataract surgery. Some of these reasons, such as the body being unable to heal properly, are not a physicians fault. However, a physician that fails to perform the procedure appropriately, such as by using improper equipment or using a new and unproven method for the surgery, or whom does not use proper care during the surgery can cause injury rather than assist a patient.

Keep in mind that mistakes happen and that the eye area is a particularly sensitive and delicate area. Vision worsening because of a discussed complication or an understandable error is not malpractice.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a loved one underwent cataract surgery and now find that their vision has worsened, seek legal assistance. A lawyer will review your medical records and evidence of your current vision capabilities and discuss with you whether you have a viable cause of action for malpractice.