The cornea is the eye’s most outer layer covering the front part of the eye and acting as a clear window for us to view the world. Clarity of the cornea is essential for sharp vison and two-thirds of the eye’s focusing power comes from the cornea. When a person has corneal edema, they have blurred vision, much like looking at the world through a dirty window, and they may see haloes around lights along with pain in the eye and increased sensitivity to light.
Corneal edema is the most common complication of cataract surgery and is described as pseudophakic corneal edema, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy or aphakic bullous keratopathy. Inflammation or infection can develop in the cornea from cataract surgery. Contaminated surgical instruments, disposable supplies, prepared solutions, the surgical field or intraocular lenses can cause a bacterial infection in the cornea, also known as postoperative endophthalmitis.
This infection can lead to impaired vision, loss of vision or even loss of the eye itself.
The instruments used during surgery can also cause damage to the cornea leading to corneal edema. Once the cornea’s cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate and vision worsens. Acute corneal edema usually clears within a short period time after surgery.
Acute corneal edema that does not resolve may require an examination by a retina specialist and possible additional surgery to treat the problem. However, if left untreated, acute corneal edema can develop into a serious problem and may ultimately result in permanent impaired vision or permanent loss of vision.
If you or someone you know underwent cataract surgery and developed corneal edema that caused impaired vision, loss of vision or loss of an eye, we want to help you. You may be the victim of medical malpractice. This is a serious matter and you should not delay in seeking a legal opinion.
Contact Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Phil Berenz today for a free consultation at http://www.counseloroffices.