What is retinal detachment and what are their causes and complications?

The eyes are the delicate organs of your body and the retina is the most sensitive part of your eyes. It is made up of soft tissues and cells known as rods and cones which allow you to visualize the colors, shapes, and patterns. Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina pulls away from the choroid, which is the middle layer of the eyes. You face vision loss when this condition happens. Also, this is a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical help or else no revision surgeries might work. A detached retina cannot function anymore, causing vision loss. Retinal detachment is more prevalent in those who have undergone cataract surgery or the ones having nearsightedness and severe eye injury. Your doctor might perform a medical checkup and ask you to go for a surgery. However, in case of negligence, you’ll have to seek advice from an expert ophthalmology witness.

Symptoms of retinal detachment:

Some of the common symptoms of retinal detachment include- blurred vision, the sensation of flashing lights, feeling of dark shadows like a veil or a curtain. The last symptom i.e. curtain-like feeling usually gives way to loss of vision. Talk to your doctor immediately as soon as you find these symptoms.

Operative procedures for retinal detachment:

The main role of retinal detachment surgery is to reattach the retina back to the eye and this includes a wide range of procedures. The most appropriate option will be selected by your doctor.

• Pneumatic retinopexy
• Scleral Buckling
• Vitrectomy surgery

Depending on your condition, the surgeon will determine the right solution for you. Once the surgery is done, it will be covered with a white pad to ensure protection. You might need to stay back at the hospital for a night or two. Remember that once the operation is done, there’ll be slight blurriness and an uncomfortable feel for a few weeks. You might feel watery eyes as well. These are just temporary and should resolve within a few week’s time. Avoid any kind of heavy activities and obey your doctor to ensure a faster recovery.

Like any other surgery, there can be complications and retinal detachment is no exception. Infections, cataract formation, vision loss, glaucoma, and bleeding are some of the risks associated with the surgery. If it happens due to the negligence of the surgeon, get in touch with an ophthalmology expert witness as they can help you get your deserving compensation.

Role of the expert witnesses:

As soon as you seek legal help for malpractice, the attorney will call upon an ophthalmologist expert witness to understand the medico-legal matters of the case. Mainly, they are called to offer:

• Testimony and deposition services
• Prepare case reports which are clinically proven and scientifically true.
• Simplify the technical matters of the case to the attorney as well as the jury
• Perform Independent Medical Examination if needed.
• Calculate the severity of the damages to assign a compensation value

Remember, the role of expert witnesses in malpractice cases is profound as their testimony plays an important part in deciding the outcome of the case. Though the jurors are not bound to accept their statements, it is almost impossible for the jury to give a judgement without their support.