Laser eye surgery/lens replacement surgery Q&A
We are seeing a worrying increase in the number of enquiries relating to poor outcomes from either laser eye surgery (also known as LASIK or LASEK) and lens replacement surgery (also known as RLE or refractive lens exchange).
In order to assist you in determining whether your laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery has given you the outcome you anticipated and paid for, we have set out some helpful Questions & Answers below:
Is laser eyes surgery/lens replacement surgery suitable for everyone?
In short, no. There can be a number of reasons why either or both procedures could be unsuitable for an individual. These may relate to pre-existing medical conditions, or conditions of the eye, shape of the eyeball, or simply because the procedure you are looking to have may not achieve the outcome that you require.
How can I make sure that, if I go for a consultation, the procedure that is recommended to me is suitable for me and will give me the outcome that I want?
As with every private procedure, make sure that you do your research as to the surgeon and organisation that you approach. Cheapest is not always best! When you are seen for the first time you should have a detailed discussion with the surgeon as to your demands and needs for the surgery, and your surgeon should present you with all potential options to achieve your desired result, even if one of those options is no surgery. Similarly, if your desired outcome cannot be achieved by either laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery, the surgeon should tell you that and explain why so that you can make an informed decision as to how you want to proceed.
I have already had my laser eye surgery/lens replacement surgery and am suffering side effects or an unwanted outcome. What should I do?
In the first instance, you should go back to the organisation who completed the procedure and outline your concerns to them. These procedures do carry side effects which should settle over the weeks that follow the procedure. If you continue to suffer side effects beyond a few weeks, or worst still if you are in a worst position than you were prior to the procedure, this should be raised as quickly as possible with them so that you can be closely monitored. It may be that further procedures or treatment will be required, and the organisation should counsel you about that.
I have suffered an unwanted outcome and I am not happy with the treatment or advice that I have received. What should I do now?
You may wish to make a complaint in writing to the organisation who completed the procedure, so that they can consider this and provide a response. As part of this, you may wish to request a copy of your file of records with them. If you are unhappy with the response that you receive, or if you do not wish to complain in writing to the organisation direct, our lawyers at Wollens will be happy to speak to you and provide you with further guidance.
Elizabeth Larner is the Clinical Negligence expert at Wollens and can advise you if you have concerns with regards to a procedure.
Contact Liz today [email protected] or call 01803 213251
