Ohio Eye Surgery Negligence Lawsuits
Our Cleveland Eye Surgery Malpractice Lawyers Help Patients Across Ohio
LASIK and other eye procedures can be life-changing when performed appropriately. But when an ophthalmologist, optometrist, surgical center, or staff fails to follow the accepted standard of care, the outcome may be avoidable harm—sometimes permanent. If you experienced serious complications after LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, retinal procedures, or other ophthalmology treatment, our firm can review what happened and determine whether medical malpractice may be involved.
Procedures Commonly Involved in Eye Surgery Malpractice Claims
Eye surgery malpractice claims can involve refractive surgery, lens procedures, glaucoma treatment, or retinal care. We evaluate cases involving:
- LASIK refractive surgery
- Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
- Implantable contact lenses / intraocular lenses (IOLs)
- Cataract removal and lens replacement
- Glaucoma procedures
- Retinal detachment diagnosis and surgical repair
- Corneal procedures and related complications
- Eye muscle surgeries
- Dry eye / lacrimal surgery complications
Common Errors & Negligence Issues in LASIK / Ophthalmology Cases
Not every complication is malpractice. But certain fact patterns often require a careful review of candidacy screening, testing, informed consent, surgical technique, post-operative management, and infection control. Examples of issues we investigate include:
- Failure to properly screen a patient or identify contraindications (poor candidacy)
- Failure to obtain adequate informed consent or disclose material risks (see Lack of Informed Consent)
- Improper corneal measurements or flawed pre-operative testing
- Laser settings/alignment errors or ablation errors
- Corneal flap complications during LASIK (creation, displacement, or damage)
- Failure to follow sterile technique or properly disinfect instruments (see Hospital / Surgical Infections)
- Failure to timely recognize or treat post-op infection or inflammation
- Failure to follow up or refer for urgent complications (see Failure to Refer)
- Medication errors or contraindicated prescriptions (see Medication Errors)
Injuries & Vision Complications After Eye Surgery
Serious complications may involve loss of vision, chronic pain, or functional impairment that affects work, driving, and daily life. Depending on the facts, injuries in ophthalmology malpractice claims can include:
- Permanent vision loss or significant reduction in visual acuity
- Corneal scarring or persistent corneal irregularity
- Severe dry eye or chronic ocular surface pain
- Infection leading to corneal damage or endophthalmitis-like complications
- Glare, halos, starbursts, or debilitating night vision problems
- Corneal ectasia or progressive corneal weakening
- Need for additional surgeries, corneal transplant, or long-term treatment
Informed Consent & Candidacy Screening
In many LASIK/PRK cases, the key question is whether the patient was an appropriate candidate and whether risks were adequately explained before surgery. A claim may involve lack of informed consent, incomplete or inaccurate screening, or failure to disclose alternatives, risks, or expected limitations.
How We Evaluate an Eye Surgery Malpractice Claim
Ophthalmology malpractice cases are evidence-driven. When we evaluate a potential claim, we typically focus on:
- Pre-operative records, testing, and candidacy determinations
- Consent forms and what was discussed (risks, alternatives, expectations)
- Operative notes and device/laser settings where available
- Post-operative follow-up and response to complications
- Whether prompt referral or emergent treatment should have occurred
- Causation: whether a deviation from the standard of care caused the injury
- Damages: medical costs, lost income, long-term impairment, and quality of life impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bad outcome after LASIK always malpractice?
No. Some complications can occur even when care is appropriate. Malpractice typically requires proof that the provider fell below the accepted standard of care and that the deviation caused harm.
What procedures can lead to eye surgery malpractice claims?
Claims may involve LASIK/PRK, cataract surgery, glaucoma procedures, retinal surgery, lens implants, and post-operative management issues—depending on the facts and medical evidence.
What should I do if I suspect negligence after an eye procedure?
Seek medical care immediately for new or worsening symptoms, preserve all paperwork (discharge instructions, prescriptions, follow-up notes), and consider requesting your records. An attorney can help obtain and review the full chart and consult with the right medical experts.
If you believe you have suffered a serious injury due to eye surgery negligence, contact Triscaro & Associates to discuss your situation.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Every case depends on specific facts, medical evidence, and applicable law.
