More than 30 are going blind after undergoing cataract surgeries in which a toxic drug was injected during the procedure.
If you or someone you know underwent a cataract surgery from October 2016 to February 2017 in which an injection was administered, and you are now experiencing problems with vision in that eye, please call us immediately. Early symptoms may include darkening vision or a dark curtain, color blindness, and cystoid macular edema.
You are not alone. Many Dallas area residents are experiencing serious retinal damage after undergoing cataract surgery from October 2016 to February 2017 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Reported numbers continue to rise. Investigations continue to determine if the time period covers even a broader time frame, from as early as fall of 2016. Known eye surgery centers where affected patients received treatment are Key Whitman Eye Center and patients of Tylock George having cataract surgery at Park Central Surgery Center.
What happened? Affected patients opted and paid for the benefit of a compounded injection of triamcinolone and moxifloxacin designed to enhance post-cataract surgery recovery by freeing patients from the routine of drop application post-surgery. At invention, the compounded injection quickly became the industry standard in cataract surgery. Called Tri-Moxi® (triamcinolone, moxifloxacin) the drug formulation is compounded by ImprimisRx®, an FDA inspected compounding pharmacy. However, some eye surgery centers knowingly purchased the mixture made by Guardian which was not an FDA approved drug and included too much of an improperly treated binding agent in it. Documents indicate the use of this improperly treated binding agent was a cause of loss of sight.
The relevant eye surgery centers did not use the proprietary Tri-Moxi®; instead using a similar, non-FDA approved product with too much binding agent in it. When treated for patient use, the binding agent exuded toxins. Patients’ vision degenerated from the normal symptoms associated with cataracts to experiencing complete darkness. Affected patients report seeing spinning pinwheels of light, color blindness and a dark curtain after this procedure. Many injured patients are frustrated as what should have been a simple surgery turned into a life altering injury.
The manufacturers of this non-Tri-Moxi® formula used in the injection have yet to comment on investigations into the potential contamination and defective design of the formula.
Our investigation is continuing. Please call us for a full update on what we know.
Let us help you. The law firm of Sommerman, McCaffity & Quesada is currently accepting clients who are experiencing vision problems following a cataract surgery which occurred in January or February of 2017, where an optional injection was administered to help reduce the use of drop application post-surgery.
Please call Alexandria Risinger (arisinger@textrial.com) or Debbie Rima (drima@textrial.com) at 214/720-0720 to be sure your rights are protected.
