Cataract surgery mishap

Posted by tjmarcotte @tjmarcotte, Jan 11 10:10am

Had routine cataract surgery in my left eye in January 2024. Head was not strapped down and eye was not numb enough. When scalpel was inserted into the eye, I jumped up causing a 5 mm incision in the eye. Dr tried for a year and then finally said there's nothing he can do. My eyesight in that eye is 100/20 with glasses. Has anybody else experienced something like this?

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Were you sedated during the procedure?

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I have never heard of that happening, but I can imagine it in my worst nightmare. Seems like the doc would have tested the numbness before coming at you with a scalpel.

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@celia16

Were you sedated during the procedure?

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Just a local. the eye supposedly.

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@mosaics

I have never heard of that happening, but I can imagine it in my worst nightmare. Seems like the doc would have tested the numbness before coming at you with a scalpel.

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My thoughts exactly.

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@tjmarcotte

My thoughts exactly.

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Have you gotten a legal consult? I might do that without delay.

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The statute of limitations runs out pretty quick on medical mal practice. I seem to remember it’s two years from incident. If it were me, I’d pursue that. It will be hard to find a lawyer to take the case if it’s not a big payout. So if you want to go that route, you need to get on it immediately.

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I would need to know a lot more prior to discussing legal action. The doctor and staff keep significant records of the procedure. You gave access to most of these records - sign a release for them and evaluate the records.

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I assume that, during the year your eye doc was trying to make this better, you went to a top eye specialist for his/her opinion. If not, you should find the best eye doc you possibly can to evaluate your present situation. Your first concern, in my opinion, should have been finding another eye specialist and getting his/her opinion. once this is done you can decide further actions, if necessary, against the initial eye doc. Good luck!

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Seeing a new doctor today at University of Florida in Gainesville, Dr. Stiegelman. Hopefully he might have some good news for me.

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Scalpel? I didn't know they cut you for a cataract surgery. How did you make out today with the second opinion? I would get all your records from the doctor ASAP.

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