Chicago Microphthalmia and Anophthalmia Lawsuits
Microphthalmia is a birth defect that results in one or both of a baby's eyes being abnormally smaller than normal. The cause of this condition is largely unknown, although genetic changes, environmental influences, and medications such as thalidomide and Accutane have been linked to it. In severe cases, it may appear that the eyeball is missing entirely. In the vast majority of cases, however, some eye tissue remains.
Anophthalmia, on the other hand, is a similar condition resulting in the complete absence of one or both eyeballs. So while microphthalmia may or may not result in some loss of vision depending on its severity, anophthalmia by definition always results in lost vision. Babies born with either condition may have had early development affected by the mother's use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
If your baby was born with microphthalmia or anophthalmia, contact the Chicago birth defect lawyers at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC for a free legal consultation.
Treatment of Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia
There is currently no treatment that can change these birth defects and restore vision that was absent at birth. There are, however, a number of treatments available to aid normal growth and enhance cosmetic appearance, such as:
- For anophthalmia, prosthetics may be used to expand the eye opening between the lower and upper lids (narrowed palpebral fissure) and the eye socket (orbit)
- Preliminary surgeries, followed by reconstructive surgeries later in childhood, may be performed to allow for facial bone growth
- Fitting a baby with a plastic device called a conformer, and progressively larger devices as the child ages, can help expand the eye socket
- Fitting a child with an artificial eye
Special Doctors Can Help
Specialized eye doctors are often required for thorough treatment of microphthalmia and anophthalmia:
- Oculoplastic surgeons, who specialize in eye socket and eye surgeries
- Ocularists, who have specialized training in fitting and making prosthetic eyes
- Ophthalmologists, who are specially trained eye doctors
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits for Microphthalmia and Anophthalmia
Although microphthalmia and anophthalmia are considered congenital birth defects, that does not mean they are always genetic in nature or the result of events beyond anyone's control. Sometimes birth defects happen because doctors make mistakes.
When a doctor prescribes a medication to a pregnant woman, such decisions must be made with great caution. Some drugs are quickly absorbed by the fetus while others are not. Some drugs appear to have little to no effect on the developing fetus, while others have been linked to serious and permanent congenital birth defects. Among the drugs that have been linked, at least preliminarily in studies, to abnormalities such as microphthalmia and anophthalmia are:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, Vioxx, and naproxen, which some believe may contribute to microphthalmia, anophthalmia, limb deficiencies, neural tube defects, spina bifida, and other birth defects.
- DuPont Benlate fungicide and other pesticide, chemical, or toxin exposures.
Birth defects may also result from excessive exposure to x-rays or to certain viruses during pregnancy. Sometimes a doctor's negligence may complicate an abnormality through improper treatment or surgery.
Contact a Chicago Microphthalmia and Anophthalmia Lawyer Today
Keep in mind that doctors and drug manufacturers can, and sometimes do, contribute to the existence of a birth defect. If you suspect that your child's birth defect may in any way be linked to the negligence of a doctor, drug manufacturer, or other party, contact an Illinois birth injury lawyer at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC immediately.
A medical malpractice lawsuit may be available to help you seek financial compensation for the best available medical treatment and to obtain justice for your family. No attorney fees ever apply unless we are successful on your behalf, and millions have already been recovered for our clients. Call now for free information at (312) 243-9922.
