Compensation for Lasik Eye Surgery Injuries

Instead of contacts or glasses, many people now turn to LASIK eye surgery to correct their vision. LASIK, which stands for laser in situ keratomileusis, is advertised as a nearly painless surgical procedure that involves the surgeon creating a thin flap in the patient’s cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and replacing the flap. In most cases, the procedure is successful and restores the patient’s vision to perfect or near-perfect sight.

Problems with LASIK Procedures

In some cases, however, the procedure does not go smoothly. Because LASIK surgery is frequently promoted as a safe, error-free procedure that does not require sedation, stitches, or bandages, many people mistakenly believe it is without risk. In reality, LASIK is a complex procedure that demands a skilled eye surgeon and sophisticated equipment.

Equipment malfunctions, doctor error, substandard equipment, an unsterile environment, and other issues can cause serious injuries. In the most devastating cases, a patient experiences partial or complete vision loss.

Patients have also suffered permanent pain, infection, headaches, and constantly blurry vision. Other patients see a permanent “halo effect” around sources of light, which can make it difficult to work at a computer, drive, and watch television.

Additionally, some people are poor candidates for LASIK surgery and should never undergo the procedure. When eye surgeons choose to perform LASIK surgery on these individuals, the surgeons can be held liable for injuries that result.


In many cases, injuries to the eye following LASIK surgery are irreversible. Once the cornea has sustained damage, it is usually impossible to repair it.