Laser eye surgery has gained in popularity over the last few years although the treatment procedure itself is very new, and the operations themselves have only been possible in the last twenty years or so. It is not known what the long term effects of this particular form of corrective surgery might be.

It is very popular with those suffering from myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness) or blurring (astigmatism) or a combination. The vision correction surgery also know as Lasik or Lasek works by using a laser to change the corneas shape, that clear part of the eye covering the iris and the pupil. Successful surgery can lead to a reduced use of glasses. It is for the most, a private operation with the patient paying the costs.

The public’s fascination with celebrity culture and looking good at all costs has spawned a massive industry with a good success rate although inevitably in any form of invasive procedure mistakes can be made and injury result.

What sort of injuries can occur?

Some lasting effects have been night time glare, healing issues, dry eyes and corneal problems. Permanent eye damage has resulted in some cases. Given that we do not know what the long term effects are and given that our eyesight changes as we age, there could be more problems in store for those who have had surgery but were not advised of the risks. Many of the problems that have occurred could have been avoided by proper pre surgical checks as some people are just not suitable candidates. Some injuries have also been caused by incorrect use of the laser eye surgery equipment.

What Can I Claim For?

Damages vary from the low hundreds to many thousands of pounds in compensation depending on the severity of the injury. Claims can also be made for the costs of any corrective surgery and any other costs like loss of earnings.

In a recent case, a 52-year-old man, received £12,000 for the blurred vision and corneal scratching sustained during laser eye surgery in March 2007. He developed refractive error and, after further corrective procedures, corneal haze and scarring. He would need to continue wearing glasses and it was likely he would require cataract surgery within the next 10 years. He alleged that he was not advised of the potential complications, not given information on how there might be limited benefits of the surgery and that the surgeons failed to use reasonable care and skill when advising the original surgery and all the surgery carried out afterwards. He was successful in the claim.

Time Limits

Claims have to be made within three years of the alleged negligent treatment and you should seek specialist legal advice.

Making a Laser Eye Corrective Surgery Compensation Claim

If your laser eye surgeon fails in his duty of care to carry out the corrective surgery with reasonable care and skill or if the equipment used proves faulty in some way you may be able to pursue a claim.