Failure to Monitor Eye Pressure Following Surgery Leads to Permanent Loss of Sight

In late 2017, Mrs X was diagnosed with a macular hole affecting her left eye. Although the condition was identified, there was a delay before appropriate action was taken and she was subsequently referred to a specialist eye hospital.

In May 2018, she underwent vitreoretinal surgery to repair the macular hole. Following surgery, she was discharged with medication and initially continued under ophthalmology follow-up.

At review appointments later in 2018 and 2019, Mrs X reported symptoms including eye pain, redness and discharge. She was prescribed eye drops and advised to continue treatment. Following an appointment in November 2019, the plan was for a further review six months later.

Unfortunately, that appointment was never arranged.

Despite attempting to contact the hospital on several occasions, Mrs X was unable to obtain a follow-up appointment. During this period, she continued using the prescribed eye drops and her symptoms progressively deteriorated.

By early 2021 she had developed severe pain, discharge and profound visual deterioration in her left eye. Following assessment by community and hospital eye services, it was confirmed that she had lost vision in her left eye.

Investigations later identified that prolonged treatment without appropriate monitoring had resulted in elevated intraocular pressure. Had Mrs X received the follow-up appointment that had been planned, the pressure increase would have been detected and treated before permanent damage occurred.

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