Medicolegal aspects of glaucoma

Abstract

This article analyses medicolegal aspects of glaucoma, employing data from the NHS Litigation Authority (UK) and the Physician Insurers Association of America (USA). The most common form of glaucoma is a chronic, progressive condition which usually entails life-long follow-up, the longitudinal profile presenting many sequential opportunities for error. However, this analysis shows that glaucoma claims are uncommon (43 claims in 10 years in the UK), but when they do occur they are more likely to lead to payment of damages, and the levels of damages paid tend to be higher than for the rest of ophthalmology. Failure or delay in diagnosing, treating and monitoring glaucoma account for approximately one-half of claims in the UK. Surgery-related claims are rare.