LASIK eye surgery is among the most prevalent forms of elective surgery performed in the United States. It is estimated that it is performed on approximately 1 million eyes per year. The LASIK industry generally spends millions of dollars on advertising. The surgeons claim that their success rates are “extremely high” and that the surgical laser systems they use to perform the procedure are safe. However, there have been numerous product liability lawsuits filed over lasers that were used to perform these laser eye surgeries.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in February 2007 recalled the Alcon LADAR6000 LASIK eye surgery laser. These excimer lasers have resulted in an unusually high number of serious complications for LASIK patients. This laser basically reshapes the cornea during a LASIK eye surgery procedure with the purpose of reducing or eliminating the patient’s need for glasses or contact lenses.
These defective lasers were recalled because they resulted in patients developing a number of complications including “central islands,” which are areas of the cornea that do not receive proper amounts of laser energy. Central islands could result in blurred vision and other abnormalities that could become permanent. Treatments for central islands vary from required use of contact lenses to corrective surgery, depending on the extent and severity of the symptoms. According to Alcon’s own numbers, more than 150 patients who were treated by the recalled LADAR6000 developed central islands.
Patients who have suffered damage or injury as a result of these defective lasers can seek compensation by filing a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the defective product. They can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of one’s ability to earn a living, cost of treatment, loss of vision, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of life’s enjoyment and other related damages.
If you have sustained serious damage or injury to your eyes or if these defective products or product errors have caused you to lose your vision, please contact the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C. for a free consultation. Mr. Krouner has had remarkable success with product liability cases involving LASIK lasers. Recently, he successfully settled three cases involving the defective Alcon LADAR6000 for patients in Colorado and Oregon. If you have suffered serious or irreversible effects, our experienced LASIK laser recall attorneys can examine the merit of your claim. We offer a free and comprehensive evaluation of your claim. Contact the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C. at (914) 238-5800 or send us an email.