Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by tanya

Consequences of Delayed Glaucoma Treatment

 

And What You Can Do About It

 

Damage to your vision from glaucoma can be so gradual, you don’t realise it’s happening, but the consequences of delayed glaucoma treatment may be life-changing. Glaucoma has been dubbed the ‘silent thief of sight’ due to the slow pace of change in your eyesight. However, a delay in diagnosis or treatment can make matters even worse, with irreversible blindness being the worst consequence.

Glaucoma primarily affects people over the age of 40, with the risk increasing significantly as you get older. It is especially common in individuals over 60. However, certain groups, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or individuals with conditions like diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing it earlier.

If you or a loved one have experienced a delay in treatment for glaucoma, you may be entitled to file a clinical negligence claim for compensation and First Personal Injury can help. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can assess your case and guide you through the process.

 

Why Is Timely Glaucoma Treatment So Important?

 

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, typically due to high pressure inside the eye. There are different types, but the most common one—primary open-angle glaucoma—develops gradually and painlessly. This makes it difficult to notice vision loss until significant damage has been done.

If caught early, glaucoma can usually be managed with medication, laser treatment, or surgery to slow or halt its progression. However, if it’s left untreated, the pressure inside the eye can increase, leading to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, once vision is lost, it cannot be reversed. This is why it is so critical  that glaucoma is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

 

What Happens If Glaucoma Treatment Is Delayed?

 

A delay in diagnosing or treating glaucoma can mean that by the time you finally get the care you need, significant damage has already been done. The potential consequences include:

 

• Loss of peripheral vision – Your field of vision starts narrowing, making it difficult to see what’s around you.
• Blurry or patchy vision – You might notice blurry spots or patches where you can’t see clearly.
• Complete blindness – In the worst-case scenario, untreated or poorly managed glaucoma can lead to total vision loss.

 

If an optician, GP, or specialist failed to act when they should have, you could have suffered needlessly.

 

When Does Clinical Negligence Play a Role?

 

Common scenarios where negligence may have occurred include:

 

A GP or optician failing to recognize the signs of glaucoma – If they don’t refer you to a specialist when they should have, valuable time is lost.

 

Misdiagnosis – If your symptoms were mistaken for something else, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment, your vision may have suffered as a result.

 

Delayed treatment by an ophthalmologist – Even if you were diagnosed correctly, slow action in prescribing medication or scheduling surgery could lead to further deterioration.

 

Failure to properly monitor the condition – Regular check-ups are essential for glaucoma patients. If follow-ups were missed or mismanaged, that could also count as negligence.

 

Filing a Clinical Negligence Claim

 

If you’ve suffered vision loss due to a delayed glaucoma diagnosis or treatment, you may be able to file a clinical negligence claim. A claim can help you receive compensation for pain and suffering, as well as financial losses such as lost earnings.

To have a valid claim, you will have to show there was a breach of duty by the healthcare provider. This is either misdiagnosing or delaying diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, you need to show that this negligence directly caused your vision loss.

 

It is essential to speak to a lawyer who has experience in medical negligence and who will assess your case. This would establish whether you have a valid claim or not. First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with expert lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.