Cornea Transplant Error
Pennsylvania and New Jersey Eye Surgery Injury Lawyers
The first successful cornea transplant was performed more than 100 years ago. Naturally, the technique has been refined and made safer and more effective with modern technology. But, as with any eye surgery, cornea transplant error or physician negligence before or after the operation can lead to vision impairment and other serious complications.
Hill & Associates, P.C. of Philadelphia represents clients who have suffered adverse outcomes because of medical negligence. Our team of trial lawyers brings over 20 years of combined experience in personal injury litigation. We invite you to contact us today to evaluate your possible lawsuit for damages.
We handle all eye surgery injury cases, including:
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Cornea Transplant Surgery
The cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye, in front of the iris and the lens. Its shape determines how light is projected onto the inner eye and whether a person is nearsighted (myopic), normal or farsighted (hyperopic). The cornea can also have uneven curvature (astigmatism) that causes distorted vision.
Cornea transplant is not typically used for elective vision correction, unless a patient is unsuitable for Lasik surgery. It is more commonly used to treat a diseased or misshapen cornea that seriously affects a person's visual acuity (focus and depth perception). Keratoconus, in which the cornea becomes overly elongated and causes extreme myopia, is a primary application.
Corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty) involves replacing a patient's own cornea with a healthy cornea from an eye donor who recently died. A circular portion of cornea slightly larger than a fully dilated pupil is grafted onto the patient's eye, using dissolvable sutures. The surgery is often performed as an outpatient surgery.
Cornea Transplant Errors and Complications
Though not common, there are risks associated with corneal grafting surgery:
- Infection in the sutures or beneath the implanted corneal tissue
- Excessive bleeding
- Penetrating too deeply into the stroma (inner layers) of the patient's cornea
- Retinal detachment (the retina separates from the "eyeball")
- Wrinkles or holes in the implanted cornea
- Torn sutures/graft failure
- Uneven healing or excess scarring
These complications can cause loss of vision or serious side effects, some treatable if addressed promptly, some resulting in permanent damage. The transplant may also result in no improvement — or worse vision than before.
In evaluating a case for malpractice we will determine whether the ophthalmologist followed standard protocols. Was the patient evaluated for risk factors and an appropriate candidate? Was the surgeon properly qualified to perform the transplant? Did the patient have enough information to give consent? Was there adequate post-surgical consultation regarding eye care and symptoms to be reported immediately?
If you believe your vision was damaged or you lost the opportunity for improved vision because of a cornea transplant error, contact Hill & Associates, P.C. for a free initial consultation.
