A number of Optegra employees have recently experienced the benefits of lens replacement a procedure which can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
For those who also have a cataract – which one in three adults will go on to develop – there is a very similar procedure, Cataract Refractive Surgery, which removes the cataract as well as changing the cloudy lens with a tailored, prescription lens to help remove need for glasses.
Here, Caroline Robinson, a Registered Operating Department Practitioner title at Optegra Eye Hospital Birmingham shares her story.
Caroline, age 57 had cataract refractive surgery last year and says:
I wore glasses for short-sightedness, and had a cataract diagnosed over 30 years ago, after a motorbike accident.
The cataract was getting progressively worse, and because of family history of glaucoma, I had already been under the care of our glaucoma specialist at Optegra Birmingham.
At my annual glaucoma check up, consultant surgeon Mr Masood said I would now need surgery for the cataract.
I chose to have treatment when I already had some leave booked, and because I was having a lot of difficulty with putting glasses on for some tasks at work like computer working and checking medications, and then taking them off again to do other tasks. Especially once I was in scrubs – I then had to avoid touching my glasses altogether so had to wear them all the time to see the detail I needed.
Also patients do ask, if this is an eye hospital, `why was I still wearing specs?` Which was a good point!
I had all my scans and eye tests one evening after work. All the tests were explained in great detail, and although I knew how all the machines work (as part of my role I am able to do all the scans myself), it was very reassuring to have colleagues who decided to treat me as though I didn’t know anything!
At my consultation, surgeon Mr Kolli and myself discussed the pros and cons of all the different lenses, and based on my scan results and my expectations, we decided to have the Zeiss trifocal lens.
On the day of surgery, I had all my vital signs checked and my allergies recorded. Although the eye drops don’t hurt, it still came as a shock when they first are put into the eye.
My eye needed to be marked prior to surgery (I had an astigmatism), I was still very apprehensive, but when Mr Kolli was actually touching my eye with a marking pen, I didn’t feel anything at all!
In theatre I was asked to look at the bright light and after a while that light didn’t seem quite so bright! It was a very strange sensation. I knew exactly what was going on and at what stage Mr Kolli was at as he always asks for his instruments all the way through the procedure. I felt a little bit of pressure when the lens was implanted, but apart from that, there was no pain at all.
As soon as the lens was implanted I actually said I could see straight away, it was absolutely amazing!
I came out of theatre wearing an eye shield, my discharge was performed and my outpatient appointment was sorted for the next day, and I was allowed to go home.
Next day I was seen by the optom, everything was ok.
I had my second eye surgery a week after first eye surgery.
It was great being able to see again without having to rely on glasses. It really is life changing! No more glasses ever.
Now, when I have been asked by patients if I have had surgery I am very happy to tell them of my experience at Optegra.
To find our how cataract refractive surgery could help you, click here.
