1. What is LASIK eye surgery?
2. What type of equipment is used in LASIK procedures?
3. How do I determine if I qualify for LASIK?
4. What are some of the complications of LASIK procedure?
5. How do LASIK injuries occur?
6. Who is at fault if I suffer an eye injury as a result of LASIK procedure?
7. What are some of the symptoms of eye injury?
8. Do I need a lawyer if I suffered an eye injury as a result of LASIK surgery?
1. What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses by correcting vision impairments. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye
2. What type of equipment is used in LASIK procedures?
The type of equipment used is
• Microkeratome – this device is applied to the eye of the patient by use of a vacuum ring. Once it is secured, an extremely sharp blade cuts a small amount of the cornea at a specific depth as determined by the surgeon.
• Excimer Laser – this device is used to ablate, or disintegrate, the malformed corneal tissue. This equipment is operated by a computer program that tells the laser exactly how long the burst of cold, ultraviolet light should last and where it is directed.
3. How do I determine if I qualify for LASIK?
Not everybody is a candidate for LASIK, and there are certain guidelines for ideal candidates that the eye surgeon must recognize for the safety of the patient. Failing to appropriate identify LASIK profiles can substantially increase the risks of LASIK injuries. Every candidate should undergo a comprehensive eye exam prior to having the procedure. If you feel you were not adequately informed of the risks of LASIK surgery and have suffered an injury, contact The Oshman Firm today.
4. What are some of the complications of LASIK procedure?
Possible complications include:
- Failure of the microkeratome to leave a hinge on the corneal flap during the first incision
- Loss of the corneal flap during/after the procedure
- Slipping of the corneal flap causing improper healing
- Too deep/too shallow cuts in the flap
- Surface tissue entering the cornea
- Infection of the cornea
- Loss of sight
- Technical problems with the microkeratome
- Problems with the laser and/or glitches in the software
- Post-operative complications
5. How do LASIK injuries occur?
LASIK injuries often occur due to improper pre-operative screening, improper surgical technique, faulty medical equipment, inappropriate follow-up treatment and negligence. Only an experienced eye injury attorney at The Oshman Firm can determine which fits your case. Contact us today.
6. Who is at fault if I suffer an eye injury as a result of LASIK procedure?
It is very difficult to determine fault when an eye injury occurs as a result of LASIK procedure. The most common are either the physician did not use the standard of care in operating the equipment or the equipment resulted in failure. Contact The Oshman Firm to discuss your possible claim.
7. What are some of the symptoms of eye injury?
Possible symptoms include:
• Blurred Vision
• Glare
• Double Vision
• Ghosting, Halos
• Loss of Contrast Sensitivity
• Problems with Night Vision/Low-Light Vision
• Dry, Itchy, Scratchy Eyes
• Redness
• Oozing of the Eyes
• Pain
8. Do I need a lawyer if I suffered an eye injury as a result of LASIK surgery?
If you have suffered an eye injury or any other personal injury, it is always a good idea to contact a lawyer. Contact The Oshman Firm to discuss your possible claim.