The regional court in Malaga ruled in favor of a 54-year-old man who lost his eyesight after surgery to correct myopia in a private hospital. The court ordered the medical institution to pay compensation in the amount of 173,599 euros. The patient agreed to the operation, hoping to get rid of glasses and contact lenses, but after a few years his eyesight deteriorated significantly. In 2017, the man was officially recognized as disabled with severe vision loss.
The judge in his decision stressed that the hospital had failed to ensure that the patient was properly informed about the risks associated with the operation. In particular, there was no warning about the possible development of corneal ectasia, a disease that leads to thinning of the cornea and, as a result, loss of vision. This disease, as the judge explained, was not properly disclosed in informed consent, which makes it inappropriate for the patient to make an informed decision.
In addition, after the deterioration of vision, doctors did not offer the patient either proper treatment or regular monitoring of his health. The man had previously undergone two operations to correct his myopia in 2000, which were initially considered successful, but in 2008 he was diagnosed with bilateral loss of visual acuity associated with corneal ectasia. At the same time, doctors did not offer him adequate treatment or prevention of the disease, which eventually led to loss of vision.
After many examinations and unsuccessful attempts to get help, the patient filed a lawsuit in court. He claims that it was the lack of information about the risks of the operation that led to the tragic consequences.
"This case is a clear proof of the devastating consequences that a lack of information can have during medical interventions. Doctors are obliged not only to inform patients about possible risks, but also to provide this information in an understandable and accessible form so that each patient can consciously make decisions affecting his health," the judge noted.
This case highlights the importance of properly informing patients in medical institutions, as not only their health depends on it, but also their right to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.