Make it Clear

By: Mr Pillai
Created on 26th January 2012

Laser eye surgery has transformed countless lives but not everyone is suitable for the procedure. Mr Pillai of Advance Vision Care explains what other options there are

Wouldn't it be great to wake up in the morning and not have to put on a pair of glasses to look at the time on the clock, or when reading the newspaper? Wouldn't it be amazing if you could go to work in the mornings without having the hassle of inserting your contact lenses?

If you have a high prescription, high astigmatism, or wear reading glasses or varifocals then you might not be suitable for laser eye surgery but there are options available that can guarantee perfect vision.

Two methods are available depending on your needs. For a young person with a high prescription we can insert an implantable collamer lens (ICL) to correct your overall vision, or for people who want to be free from distance and reading glasses or have cataracts we can remove your natural lens and insert a multifocal intraocular lens.

Multifocal intraocular lenses are most suitable for those over 50 years of age. This is because when the natural lens of the eye is removed all ability to adjust the focus of the eye is lost. This natural focus changing ability is called ‘accommodation', which is slowly lost with age. It is this loss of accommodation that accounts for near vision/reading glasses after mid 40s. When multifocal intraocular lens are inserted in patients over 50 the loss of accommodation is irrelevant as it has already been lost through the natural process described above.

The procedure takes only 15 minutes per eye. There is no need for general anaesthetic, therefore recovery is a lot quicker. A small incision is made during surgery (2.50mm), to avoid the need for stitches, the foldable intraocular lenses are inserted accordingly and you go straight home following the operation. Following the surgery, drops are used for four weeks but the patient is able to return to normal activity within two days. We assess your vision the next day and prepare your second eye for surgery the week after.

CASE STUDY ONE

Treatment: Multifocal intraocular lens
Name: Miss Caroline Seely
Age: 40
Occupation: Local Government Officer

What prompted you to have the treatment?

I have always wanted it done but couldn't afford it. When I lost both my grandparents last year my inheritance meant I was finally able to have it done.

My eyesight was -15 and I was fed up with wearing contact lenses and glasses but I wasn't suitable for laser surgery as my prescription was too strong and I also suffered from astigmatism.

Who carried out the procedure? What was their opinion at the consultation?

The consultation at Advance Vision Care was fantastic and there was no pressure put on me to sign up for the procedure. The consultation took about two to three hours as we went through everything.

How was the experience?

I had a dummy run because when I went for my first appointment my blood pressure was too high so the procedure had to be delayed until I had been to my GP to get medication to lower it.

I wasn't at all nervous - I had wanted it for so long so was quite happy to go ahead. I took blood pressure medication and pre meds to dilate my eyes. As my blood pressure was high they thought I should also have a sedative as well as the local anaesthetic drops.

It wasn't painful and for about a few minutes it just felt like a pressure on my eye.

What were the immediate results?

I could see straightaway, it was just like looking through a little mist, but that settled down.

Are you happy with the treatment?

I am really happy with the procedure. It is just so convenient and easier - I went on holiday in the September after the procedure and for the first time I could go swimming and when I got out of the sea I could find my towel!

CASE STUDY TWO

Treatment: Multifocal intraocular lens
Name: Mrs Rita Abbie
Age: 67
Occupation: Admin Assistant

What prompted you to have the treatment?

I was very, very short sighted and my optician referred me to Advance Vision Care. I'd been wearing contact lenses for about 34 years and my prescription was getting stronger and stronger and my optician was concerned that the condition was going to continue to deteriorate.

Who carried out the procedure and what was their opinion at the consultation?

I had extensive tests at Advance Vision Care to see what I would be suitable for. Until I had the tests they weren't sure if I'd be suitable for laser eye surgery but my left eye was a lot worse than my optician had thought so they recommended Clear Lens Extraction. They also recommended that I have the multifocal lenses which mean I wouldn't need reading glasses.

How was the experience?

They were incredible. I was obviously very nervous but everyone at Harley Street and at the hospital at Collindale where the procedure took place was very professional, very caring and put me at my ease instantly.

The whole procedure was very short and it takes approximately 20 minutes. Only one eye is done at a time. You have a local anaesthetic so you can feel it happening but there is no pain or discomfort. I would describe it as a sensation only.

What were the immediate results?

My husband was waiting for me and he was shocked that I was back down so quickly. In the car in which they transported us back into London I was like a child, getting excited about all the things I could see without any contact lenses or glasses.

Did you have to take any medication after it was done?

You had to take a pressure tablet at the hospital and one six hours later then use eye drops for a month.

Are you happy with the treatment?

It has completely changed my life. The absolute freedom it has given me is amazing. I used to wake up and couldn't get out of bed without fumbling for my glasses. The only drawback with the procedure was that I couldn't wear eye make-up for three weeks!

CS&AM