Ocular Compression
Ocular compression, also known as optic neuropathy or eye nerve compression, requires urgent surgical intervention. Without treatment, the patient could become blind in one or both eyes.
Compensation for ocular compression
If someone suffers total blindness because medical professionals did not diagnose and treat their condition quickly enough, there could be grounds for a medical negligence claim. This will entitle the patient to obtain compensation for the damages wrongfully incurred.
These damages will undoubtedly be significant, as blindness cannot fail to completely turn a person's life upside down. Working may become impossible, accommodation may need adapting and once simple tasks such as dressing become difficult.
Compensation will also be awarded for the terrible emotional damage that has been caused.
For more information on claiming compensation for blindness, please get in touch with our team of solicitors today. We will be more than happy to advise you on your prospects of a potential claim.
Eye nerve compression
The eye contains a number of nerves. Together they transmit signals from the eye to the brain, and back again. Without them, we would not be able to see.
Problems will therefore arise if any of the nerves become compromised due to compression. Ocular compression can also happen as a result of:
- Lesions, such as a tumour
- Trauma
- Infection and inflammation
- Spinal surgery
- Chronic illnesses that affect the eye, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Churg-Strauss Syndrome
- Illnesses that appear suddenly, such as Posterior Ischaemia Optic Neuropathy
Whatever the underlying cause might be, when the nerves are compressed they will become damaged and will not function properly. The patient's eyesight will become adversely affected, with either a gradual or sudden loss of vision.
Optic neuropathy
The optic nerve is the main nerves which transmits messages to and from the brain. If any part of the nerve is compressed, the patient is said to have compressive optic neuropathy (CON).
Compressive optic neuropathy normally only affects one eye, although it can occur in both, particularly with conditions such as Graves orbitopathy.
Surgery for ocular compression
If a patient suffers from ocular compression and seeks medical help, it is important that doctors recognise the seriousness of the situation. Indeed, ocular compression requires urgent surgery to relieve the pressure being placed upon the nerve. Without surgical intervention, the nerves will become increasingly damaged until they cannot be repaired. The patient will then be left with permanent sight loss in one or both eyes.
A diagnosis can be made with blood tests to confirm whether an underlying condition is the cause. Imaging tests such as an MRI scan will reveal the location and nature of compression.
Surgical decompression surgery can then be carried out to alleviate the pressure being placed upon the ocular nerves.
Ocular compression not diagnose and treated in time
If eye compression is caught quickly enough, arrangements can be made for a patient to undergo urgent surgical treatment. This will limit the damage, improving the patient's prognosis. There may be some loss of sight, but this will be minimised due to the timely treatment. Alternatively a patient's symptoms may disappear completely.
However, the prognosis will be poor if surgical intervention is not given in time. As mentioned above, the patient may be left with partial or total blindness in one or both eyes. It is unlikely that this can be resolved, as the nerves will be beyond repair. The loss of sight will therefore be long-term.
Blindness in adults
Suddenly becoming blind will be extremely traumatic for the patient. Everyday tasks like making a cup of tea or getting around the house must be re-learned. Leaving the home can be an ordeal at first, which can in turn make someone isolated or reclusive.
This can add to the significant emotional trauma that will invariably arise after sudden sight loss. Things such as seeing the faces of your loved ones or being unable to care for your children will be incredibly upsetting.
Furthermore, sudden blindness in adults can be associated with financial strain, as the individual will no longer be able to continue in employment. Although there are jobs available for the visually impaired, these may not suit the patient's skill-set or salary expectations.
This financial loss can have a knock-on effect for any dependants, such as a spouse or children. It can also mean there is not enough money to pay for treatment, equipment or house adaptations that are now required.
Compensation
If you or someone you know has suffered in this way, you need to seek expert legal advice. Anyone who becomes blind because of medical errors will be entitled to claim compensation for the physical, emotional and financial trauma that has been sustained.
This means that compensation will be awarded for your physical pain and suffering, including the months leading up to your eventual diagnosis.
Compensation will be awarded for the emotional trauma you are now experiencing, incorporating issues such as depression, agoraphobia, and loss of amenity.
Compensation will also be awarded to recover all the money you have lost as a result of your injuries. This can cover past and future earnings, equipment, and housing adaptations.
Speak to a compensation solicitor
To claim compensation for sight loss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today. We specialise in medical negligence claims, which are also called clinical negligence claims in the UK (or medical malpractice claims in the USA).
We will listen to the details of your care before suggesting whether you can claim for ocular compression and blindness. If so, we will handle the claims process on your behalf, making sure that you are awarded the financial redress you deserve.
In England and Wales, claims must be made within three years of the event. This means it is best not to delay when seeking expert legal advice.
Eye nerve compression blindness claim
To find out if you can claim for eye nerve compression blindness, please get in touch with our friendly team of lawyers. We will do everything we can to help you.
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