Claiming Compensation for Loss of Sight after Surgery
Loss of vision after surgery is rare, but it does happen and it is most likely to happen following cardiac and spine surgery. A successful compensation claim can help the victim to cope with the aftermath.
Nature of visual loss
Depending on the nature of the damage done, the patient may suffer varying degrees of visual loss:
- Reduction in quality of sight
- Partial sight loss
- Loss of eye movements
- Total loss of sight in one eye
- Total loss of sight in both eyes
- Temporary damage
- Permanent sight loss
Causes of vision loss during surgery
Damage to the sight can occur as a result of surgery if the blood flow to the retina or to the optic nerve is compromised during the operation. The functioning of an eye can also be affected if the eye is squashed due to positioning during surgery.
The retina receives the light information at the back of the eye and the optic nerve carries that information to the brain where it is processed.
Visual loss can occur as a result of surgery for several different reasons:
- Patients who are undergoing spinal surgery may be required to lie in the prone (front-down) position. Unless carefully monitored this may result in a blockage of the blood supply to key areas in the head and brain such as the optic nerve.
- Blood loss during surgery may impact on visual loss during surgery
- The length of time surgery takes may increase the risk of impact on the patient's vision
- Visual loss can also occur during sinus surgery due to its proximity to the eye cavity
Patient assessments
Awareness of the possibility of visual loss during surgery should be an important factor in pre-surgery patient assessments as well as close monitoring of the patient and their positioning, their blood pressure and any blood loss during the procedure.
Extended surgical procedures may put the patient at risk of visual damage as well as compartment syndrome if the flow of blood is restricted.
The impact of visual loss during surgery
Waking up after surgery to find that you have lost your sight either partially or totally will be utterly devastating.
The unexpected nature of this dramatic change will mean that there has been no preparation for such an outcome. The patient may find that they are suddenly and permanently unable to drive, unable to work and unable to remain independent. They may need to alter their accommodation or to move home completely.
The financial implications can be huge. A patient with dependants and a mortgage will find the financial pressures of this situation extremely difficult.
Medical negligence
If the visual loss experienced by the patient is found to be due to poor quality care during surgery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful outcome will compensation the patient for their pain and suffering as well as their past and future losses.
Making a compensation claim
If you or a loved one have been severely affected by visual loss due to surgery, contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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