Delay In Diagnosis of a Retinal Detachment

Symptoms and How To Claim

Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition and any delay in diagnosis of a retinal detachment can have severe consequences. This is because a detachment is where the thin layer of retina tissue pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye.

The primary complication of a detachment is that it separates the retinal cells from the underlying layer of blood vessels. These vessels provide critical oxygen and nutrients to the eye.

A retinal detachment requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it may lead to irreversible vision loss or even total blindness.  If you have suffered from a delay in diagnosis of a retinal detachment, you may be able to claim compensation if there was clinical negligence.

Jefferies Claims may be able to help you with a clinical negligence claim. Our team works with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Common Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Recognising the symptoms of retinal detachment is vital for early intervention. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Sudden appearance of floaters – Small, dark shapes or specks drifting in the field of vision.
• Flashes of light – Brief bursts or flickering lights, especially in peripheral vision.
• Blurred vision – A sudden or progressive blurriness in one eye.
• Shadow or curtain effect – A dark curtain or shadow spreading across the vision is a major red flag of an impending detachment.
• Loss of peripheral vision – Gradual or sudden loss of side vision.

Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis

A delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment can have serious and life-altering consequences. The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the risk of permanent vision impairment or complete loss of sight. Some of the most significant impacts of a delayed diagnosis include:

Loss of Vision – The longer the retina remains detached, the greater the damage. This can result in permanent visual impairment or even total blindness in the affected eye.

Reduced Treatment Success Rates – When detected early, retinal detachment can often be treated successfully through procedures such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, or vitrectomy. Delayed diagnosis may render these treatments less effective.

Extended Recovery Time – If treatment is delayed, more complex surgical procedures may be required. This leads to longer recovery times and increased risk of complications.

Financial Burden – Those affected may face significant costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Additionally, vision loss can impact employment prospects and earning potential.

When Can You File a Clinical Negligence Claim?

Medical professionals have to adhere to a strict standard of care. A breach of duty is when the healthcare provider failed to diagnose the condition within a reasonable timeframe. Or, that the condition was misdiagnosed, or your symptoms were not investigated properly.

If you have suffered due to a delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment, you may be entitled to file a clinical negligence claim.  You will have to be able to establish that the delay resulted from a breach of duty by a healthcare professional and that this negligence directly caused harm.

This harm would highlight worsened vision loss which could have been avoided with timely treatment. You will have to show evidence of physical, psychological or financial damages.

Common Examples of Medical Negligence Leading to Delayed Diagnosis

Several types of medical errors can contribute to the delayed diagnosis of retinal detachment, including:

• Failure to Recognise Symptoms – A healthcare provider may overlook warning signs such as floaters, flashes of light, or sudden loss of vision.
• Misdiagnosis – Retinal detachment may be incorrectly diagnosed as a less serious condition, such as migraines or minor eye irritation.
• Delays in Referral – General practitioners (GPs) or optometrists may fail to refer patients to an ophthalmologist promptly.
• Inadequate Examination – A failure to perform necessary diagnostic tests, such as fundoscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT), can lead to misdiagnosis.
• Surgical Errors – In cases where surgery is delayed due to administrative or procedural errors, the patient’s condition may worsen irreversibly.

Next Steps To Take

Clinical negligence claims must typically be made within three years of the date the patient became aware of the negligence.  However, it is essential that you consult a lawyer who is experienced in clinical negligence claims and will assess your case.

If you, or a loved one, has suffered from a retinal detachment and suspect clinical negligence, Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process.

We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. We will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time. Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page to learn more.