Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by tanya

Delayed Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment

 

Red Flags and Medical Negligence Claims

 

Retinal detachment occurs suddenly, and delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment can have life-changing results. A retinal detachment needs urgent treatment. The retina is the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye. When a detachment takes place, this layer pulls away from its normal position.

If this does not receive immediate medical attention, there is a high risk of vision impairment or complete vision loss. It is crucial to be able to recognise the early warning signs and get prompt treatment.

However, if a retinal detachment occurs due to medical negligence, you may be seeking to claim compensation because of the harm caused. Our team at First Personal Injury works with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we can help.

 

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment occurs due to different reasons. The most common type is caused by a tear in the retina. This allows fluid to seep underneath which causes separation.

Detachment may also occur if there is scar tissue which pulls the retina out of place. This can be due to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Alternative it may also happen if fluid builds up in the retina without a tear. This is often linked to blood vessel diseases or inflammation.

 

Dangers of Delayed Diagnosis

 

Delaying treatment for retinal detachment can cause serious complications, such as:

 

Worsening of Detachment

A small tear can quickly grow, leading to a full retinal detachment. The more the retina separates, the higher the risk of vision loss.

 

Permanent Blindness

The retina plays a key role in vision. If it stays detached for too long, the cells in the retina can die, leading to irreversible blindness.

 

Macular Damage

The macula which is responsible for sharp central vision, can become detached. Damage to the macula lowers the chances of recovering clear vision, even after surgery.

 

Scar Tissue Formation (PVR)

A delayed diagnosis increases the risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), where scar tissue forms on the retina. This makes surgical repair more difficult and limits vision recovery.

 

More Complicated Surgery

Early treatment leads to better surgical outcomes. Waiting too long can result in more complex procedures with a lower success rate.

 

Higher Risk of Recurrence

A prolonged detachment raises the chances of multiple surgeries, increasing the risk of complications such as infections, cataracts, or glaucoma.

 

Warning Signs of Retinal Detachment

Early detection is key for saving vision. Key symptoms to be aware of include:

 

Increase in Floaters

Seeing more floaters (tiny dark spots or strings in vision) may indicate a retinal tear.

 

Flashes of Light

Seeing flashes, especially in the side vision, may mean the retina is being pulled and at risk of tearing.

 

Dark Curtain Over Vision

A shadow or curtain effect moving across vision is a serious sign that the retina is detaching.

 

Blurry Vision

Sudden or worsening blurry vision without an obvious reason could signal fluid build-up under the retina.

 

Loss of Side Vision

A gradual loss of peripheral vision may indicate retinal separation starting from the edges.

 

Distorted Vision

If straight lines appear bent or wavy, the macula may be involved, requiring urgent care.

 

Claim Compensation for a Delayed Diagnosis

 

If a delay in diagnosing or treating retinal detachment has led to vision loss or worsened eye health, you may be eligible to file a medical negligence claim. Medical professionals have a duty to prove a timely and appropriate standard of care.

However, if this duty of care was breached, it may be grounds for a medical negligence claim for compensation. This may include factors such as the healthcare provider failed to properly examine your symptoms. Or, your doctor may not have referred you to a specialist in time or may have misdiagnosed the symptoms. Incorrect or inadequate treatment also falls under medical negligence.

 

What To Do Next

If you would like to find out more about claiming for compensation, it is essential to consult with a lawyer who has experience in medical negligence. You should be able to show that the harm you have suffered is directly linked to the negligence. This may include worsened symptoms or complete vision loss.

You should obtain a second opinion from another eye specialist and ensure you keep all your medical records.

 

First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.