Medical Malpractice Lawyers Discuss Link Between Oral Antibiotics and Retinal Detachment

Medical malpractice lawyers have recently come across a review of patients who have used or are currently taking oral fluoroquinolones, such as Cipro and Levaquin, which suggests that they are at an increased risk for retinal detachment. Retinal detachment occurs when a critical layer of tissue, the retina, at the back of the eye pulls away from the layer of blood vessels that provides it with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to the retinal cells being deprived oxygen. In cases where retinal detachment goes untreated, patients can suffer permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

The study was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers concluded that patients prescribed oral fluoroquinolones including Cipro and Levaquin were at a higher risk of developing a retinal detachment compared with nonusers. They suspect that the antibiotics may cause damage to the vitreous and vitreous cortex.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Warn Levaquin and Cipro Patients To Seek Medical Attention

Levaquin and Cipro are commonly prescribed antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They have also been linked to tendon problems in users. Patients taking Levaquin, Cipro or any other type of oral fluoroquinolones who have experienced symptoms that could be related to a retinal detachment should immediately seek treatment by a qualified ophthalmologist.

Retinal detachment warning signs include:

• Bright flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
• Blurred vision
• Floaters in the eye
• Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases resulting from drug and pharmaceutical product injuries. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring that you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error, defective drug, or medical device or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.