Content Reviewed by:
Michael F. Bonamarte, IV
Content Reviewed by: Michael F. Bonamarte, IV
Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Those who have good vision often take it for granted. When we visit the eye doctor we trust that the care we receive will help to ensure that our vision remains intact. Yet that was not the case for one man, who experienced permanent eye injuries because of the alleged negligent care he received from the doctors. The man filed a malpractice lawsuit in Cook County against Yorkville Eye Professionals and several eye doctors. He is represented by Levin & Perconti.
Intraocular Pressure
According to the complaint, the man suffered severe and permanent damage after the doctors failed to properly monitor the intraocular pressure on the man’s eyes. Intraocular pressure, IOP, is the fluid pressure inside the eye. IOP is measured using a method called tonometry. It is one of the only ways to determine the early presence of glaucoma.
An initial screening test is done using a puff of air into the eye. This will find an increased IOP. Further testing is then completed using special eye drops. A more precise test is then done to more accurately measure the fluid pressure. When there is damage to the optic nerve, the fluid may not drain properly and will build up. The IOP can help diagnose ocular diseases such as glaucoma.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can eventually cause blindness. The buildup of pressure inside the eye is often one of the first indications of the problem. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment is essential for a successful outcome. Initial treatment typically includes the use of medicated eye drops. Laser surgery or microsurgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure in the eye by draining excess fluid. Loss of vision due to glaucoma is irreversible. The man in this case suffered from undiagnosed glaucoma, which was likely made worse due to the lack of treatment.
Failure to Diagnose
Doctors and medical professionals, including eye doctors, are required to provide proper care to their patients. Failure to properly diagnose a patient is negligent care and is usually considered medical malpractice. In this instance, the eye care professionals did not perform the proper testing and failed to monitor the man’s eye fluid pressure. As a result of their negligence, the man suffered permanent injuries including blindness, glaucoma, and optic nerve damage to his eyes. Had the doctors taken the correct measures to diagnose and treat the man, the problem would have been less serious.
Medical Malpractice
Those who were seriously injured because of the negligent actions of a doctor may be entitled to compensation for damages. In this case, the man sustained severe and permanent vision loss, which was worsened because of the failure of the doctors to perform adequate testing and monitoring. Damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and money for pain and suffering. When permanent injuries have occurred, the damages must also include future medical costs as well as money for loss of enjoyment of life. If you or a member of your family was injured due to a doctor’s mistakes, contact the experienced attorneys at Levin & Perconti to schedule a consultation.
