Missed Diagnosis of Eye Issues in Owings Mills: Can I Sue?
Missed diagnoses are relatively common in optometry and ophthalmology (eye medicine). Although seeing an eye doctor might seem routine, a simple eye exam could detect serious issues before they spiral out of control. In some cases, early diagnosis can prevent partial or total vision loss. What happens if your eye doctor misses a key diagnosis? What happens if you become blind due to medical malpractice in Owings Mills? Can you sue?
The Most Common Missed Diagnoses in Eye Medicine
The American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO) notes that some mistakes are more common than others in the field of eye medicine. The AAO identifies many of the most common diagnostic errors:
- Eyelid Tumors: These issues manifest in several different ways, making it difficult for inexperienced eye doctors to identify them. For example, a doctor might assume that an eyelash abnormality is a minor issue – but it could be a sign of an eyelid tumor. Eyelid cancers of all types are commonly misdiagnosed.
- Herpes: Also known as “herpetic keratitis,” herpes on the eye is commonly confused with corneal abrasions, stromal keratitis, and other defects. The AAO reminds students that herpes can affect the entire eye region, and doctors must conduct thorough exams for proper diagnoses.
- GCA: Also known as Giant Cell Arteritis, GCA is common in elderly patients. Urgent treatment is absolutely critical when dealing with this issue, as GCA can progress rapidly. If doctors do not act quickly enough, GCA can spread from one eye to the other.
- OIS: Also known as Ocular Ischemic Syndrome, OIS is often misdiagnosed as diabetic retinopathy. Some doctors may also confuse this issue with retinal vein occlusion. Patients may need carotid imaging to clearly identify this issue, and eye doctors should order these tests if they suspect the presence of OIS.
- Papilledema: Papilledema is commonly confused with pseudopapilledema – and vice versa. The AAO notes that there are “subtle differences” between these two disorders, including vessel obscurations and dilated blood cells. It is crucial to identify the differences between these issues, as papilledema is far more urgent than pseudopapilledema.
- Syphilis: This eye problem and STD is more commonly associated with young people, and early detection is very important. Syphilis is known to mimic various other diseases, including neuropathy and interstitial keratitis.
- C-C Fistulas: Also known as Carotid-Cavernous fistulas, C-C fistulas are often misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or thyroid eye disease. The AAO notes the urgent need for proper imaging in this scenario.
Find an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Owings Mills
If you’ve been searching for an experienced missed diagnosis lawyer, look no further than the Baltimore misdiagnosis lawyers at Furman | Honick Law. We know how serious eye issues can become if they are not diagnosed in a timely manner. Whether you have developed blindness or another type of eye injury, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be possible. Reach out today to learn more about your options.
Sources:
aao.org/young-ophthalmologists/yo-info/article/top-9-mistaken-diagnoses
mja.com.au/journal/2008/189/7/misdiagnosis-acute-eye-diseases-primary-health-care-providers-incidence-and
