How can I identify signs of faulty lens replacement surgeries?

Lens replacement surgery can offer excellent outcomes for patients dealing with cataracts, long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or presbyopia (age-related decline in close-up vision). It involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

However, this type of procedure carries certain risks, including the possibility of surgical errors.

Identifying problems early is key to protecting your vision. Read on to understand the signs and symptoms of lens replacement complications, and your legal options if you’ve suffered as a result.

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Content Quick Links

1 Understanding lens replacement surgery

2 Common complications of faulty lens replacement surgery

3 Symptoms to watch out for

4 What to do if you suspect something is wrong

5 Building a medical negligence claim for faulty lens replacement surgery

6 How a solicitor can help

7 Finding an experienced clinical negligence solicitor

Understanding lens replacement surgery

There are two main types of lens replacement surgery:

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

This procedure is used to correct vision problems, including cataracts, by removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL):

In this surgery, the natural lens is not removed. Instead, a synthetic lens is placed behind the iris to improve the focusing power of the natural lens.

The type of lens implanted during surgery will depend on your specific needs and will be discussed in detail with your ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) before you proceed.

Common complications of faulty lens replacement surgery

While lens replacement surgery has a high success rate, there are a few complications to be aware of. These can arise from errors made during the process or problems with the lens implant itself:

Incorrect IOL prescription

The replacement lens must be chosen with extreme care to properly correct your vision. If the surgeon miscalculates the strength required, you'll likely need further corrective procedures, or you may still glasses or contact lenses.

Lens dislocation

The artificial lens is carefully positioned during surgery. A dislocated lens causes blurred vision, double vision, increased glare, and halos around lights. It requires urgent attention and often a surgical repositioning procedure.

Faulty lens implantation

In rare instances, the lens itself may be defective or become misaligned within the eye. This can lead to a variety of vision problems and may require further surgery to correct.

Surgical errors

During the process, the surgeon uses specialist techniques to remove the natural lens and insert the artificial one. Errors made during this delicate procedure can cause issues like: infection, retinal detachment (where the back of the eye pulls away from blood vessels), inflammation.

The importance of informed consent

The consent process is a key part of any ophthalmic surgery. However, an increasing number of patients appear to be unaware of this crucial step, which is reflected in a rise in claims from individuals for whom the risks and long-term complications were not adequately explained.

What does ‘informed consent’ mean?

Informed consent is obtained when a medical expert clearly explains the proposed treatment to a patient and informs them of the major risks associated with the procedure, as well as the advantages.

Doing so would mean a patient has all the knowledge needed to give their informed approval for the procedure.

A patient must fully comprehend what is going on and all their options before undergoing surgery.

Failure by a medical professional to obtain this consent in advance of surgery may result in a patient bringing a medical negligence claim.

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For further reading on refractive surgery click on the RCO logo:

Key medical terms

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurry vision.

Long-sightedness (hyperopia)

Difficulty seeing objects up close.

Short-sightedness (myopia)

Difficulty seeing objects far away.

Presbyopia

Age-related decline in close-up vision.

Intraocular lens (IOL)

An artificial lens implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens.

Iris

The coloured part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye.

Retinal detachment

A serious condition where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) pulls away from its supporting layers.

Photophobia

Sensitivity to light.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid.

VIEW MORE MEDICAL TREMS

Intraocular lens (IOL)

An artificial lens implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens.

Iris

The coloured part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering the eye.

Retinal detachment

A serious condition where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) pulls away from its supporting layers.

Photophobia

Sensitivity to light.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid.

What to do if you suspect something is wrong

If you have any concerns about your recovery, it may be worth having a discussion with a qualified medical professional.

Should your symptoms be the result of surgical errors, a faulty lens implant, or you were not provided with adequate information regarding the risks involved with the procedure or potential side effects, you may be able to make a medical negligence compensation claim.

Require a legal consultation?

Building a medical negligence claim for faulty lens replacement surgery

To succeed with an eye injury claim, you will need to prove the following:

Duty of care:

Your ophthalmologist had a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care during your diagnosis, surgery, and aftercare.

Breach of duty:

The surgeon's actions (or lack of appropriate action) fell below what is considered medically acceptable. This can include errors during the surgery or a failure to properly inform you of the risks involved.

Causation:

The breach in the standard of care directly caused your injuries or suffering.

Damages:

You must have suffered quantifiable losses as a result of the breach in duty of care. This may include further corrective surgeries, pain and suffering, or ongoing vision problems that affect your day-to-day life.

How a solicitor can help

Medical negligence claims can be complex, can be complex, especially when specialist medical knowledge is needed to prove your case. This is where an experienced medical negligence solicitor can help. They will be able to assist with:

Gathering evidence

This will include records of your pre-operative consultations, surgical notes, and any post-operative follow-up records. Having a complete picture of your care will be crucial for any potential legal action.

Assessing liability

Experienced solicitors will know the standards of care required of surgeons. They can determine whether the evidence points towards a breach of duty.

Calculating your claim value

A clinical negligence solicitor can analyse the full extent of your losses, including ongoing medical expenses, lost earnings, and the impact on your day-to-day life.

Navigating the legal process

There are strict legal procedures and deadlines to follow when making a claim. A solicitor is aware of these, and can work efficiently within these restrictions to ensure the smooth progression of your case.

NHS - DID YOU KNOW?

NHS Statistics (2021 – 2022):

Glaucoma Injuries / Eye Injury from Surgical Error / Lens Replacement Surgical Error / Lens Replacement Surgery Negligence – Ophthalmology

Claims Notified: 225
Claims Settled: 245
Average Claim Timescale (Years): 4.7
(From notification of claim to settlement)
Average Settlement Value: £95,969

View Interactive Anatomy Claim Data

Client Stories

If you’ve had lens replacement surgery but continue to experience symptoms that are indicative of complications or a faulty procedure, it’s crucial to seek a second opinion from a medical professional.

You may require alternative treatment or corrective surgery. It’s also possible that your original surgery was carried out negligently. Fortunately, an experienced clinical negligence solicitor can help you to assess your situation and understand your legal options.

At Devonshires Claims, our team of specialist clinical negligence solicitors has the expertise you need to establish a claim for lens replacement negligence.

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In addition to helping you understand whether you have a valid claim, and gathering the necessary evidence, they can also provide expert legal representation on a ‘no win no fee’ basis.

For more information or to book a free case evaluation, contact Devonshires Claims today. Call 0333 016 5180, email [email protected], or use our online contact form.

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Medical Negligence Compensation

How can I identify signs of faulty lens replacement surgery?

Devonshires Claims

Content Quick Links

Understanding lens replacement surgery

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL):

Common complications of faulty lens replacement surgery

Incorrect IOL prescription

Lens dislocation

Faulty lens implantation

Surgical errors

The importance of informed consent

What does ‘informed consent’ mean?

info

Key medical terms

Cataracts

Long-sightedness (hyperopia)

Short-sightedness (myopia)

Presbyopia

Intraocular lens (IOL)

Iris

Retinal detachment

Photophobia

Ptosis

Intraocular lens (IOL)

Iris

Retinal detachment

Photophobia

Ptosis

What to do if you suspect something is wrong

Building a medical negligence claim for faulty lens replacement surgery

Duty of care:

Breach of duty:

Causation:

Damages:

How a solicitor can help

Gathering evidence

Assessing liability

Calculating your claim value

Navigating the legal process

NHS - DID YOU KNOW?

NHS Statistics (2021 – 2022):

Client Stories

Client Stories

Failure To Explain The Risks Of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

100% No Win No Fee

Award winning experts in medical negligence

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