Lens Replacement Surgery

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

Can anyone share their experiences of lens replacement surgery? I have booked a consultation at a clinic recommended by a colleague.

Due to my advanced years (over 50) I’m not a candidate for laser surgery.

I haven't but also want lens replacement and am over 50. Keen to hear about your experiences

I had it two and a half years ago when I was 46 and am really happy with it. Had needed glasses since I was 7 due to short sightedness and astigmatism and had started getting long sighted with age. Wasn't a great candidate for laser surgery due to my prescription but can't fault the lens replacement. DM me if you want to ask any specific questions as I'm happy to answer

Best thing I ever did.

I had it around 8 years ago. Fantastic- still have perfect vision. Worth every penny.

My mil had it and was/is ecstatic with it

I’m interested in it if my eyes would only stabilise! But the optician did say I am running out of options and need to consider lens replacement. Although she says until my vitreous membrane fully detaches, I’m not a good candidate as my retina is also at high risk of detachment.

Oooh this sounds very promising!!
I’ve worn glasses since I was 13 -nearly 40 years ago and have never really got used to it.

did you have both eyes done at once @HeadNorth , @Summerwetordry and @Carikube ?

Just a shot in the dark here… but did Optical Express tell you that you are not suitable candidate for laser surgery?

They told me and another lady the same and told us that our only option was lens replacement.

luckily I decided to have a second opinion and Optegra assured me that there was another type of laser surgery that I was suitable for.

I’m furious with optical express. Patients should be informed with all suitable treatment options on the market and not just what Optical Express could help with.

Yes had both eyes fine at the same time - didn't want to have to worry about taping one half of my glasses over/only wearing one contact lens etc. Did mean I had to book with the only surgeon on their books who was happy doing both eyes at the same time but it worked out well. Was given the all clear for driving 24 hours later and didn't have any issues.

I'm following as I too have been told I'm unsuitable for laser

I had a consultation about lens replacement with Moorfields Hospital (well, its private arm) recently. Cost for me would be nearly £9k. Pretty normal prescription. Have astigmatism.

So that’s a no.

How is lens replacement different from laser treatment and cataracts?

I had one eye done and 3 weeks later had the other - that was just how it was done. Bit faffy at the time, but well worth it.

@Itsnotraining not Optical Express

@sunshinesupermum i understand it’s the same surgery as cataracts but the new lens is to your prescription

I had it last year. Worn glasses since I was 4, -15 prescription and pretty severe astigmatism. I had each eye done a month apart. Vision is now near enough 20/20 for distance. I do need reading glasses though. If your prescription is less severe than you could get multi focal lenses. I'd get it done again in a heartbeat. Can't believe I waited until I was 52 to get it done

@dazzlingdeborahrose sounds like you have had a great experience. Did they mention the lenses clouding over time or requiring replacing in the future?

It’s the same surgery as cataracts.
My mum had her cataracts done a couple of years ago and they replaced her lenses to correct her vision, I’ve a work colleague who has had the same done.

They both say it has worked wonders.

It’s always worked like that. Individual clinics offer the treatments they can do safely on an individual depending on what their surgeons feel comfortable operating on and their laser machines.

I think erring on the side of caution is preferable. I worked in refractive surgery correction in late 90s/2000 when boots were involved - they lasered everyone -and we select the next couple of years sorting it out!

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads Six weeks apart.

@Landlubber2019 They shouldn't cloud over or need replacing. When they did my prechecks, they discovered I had very early stage cataracts so the surgery effectively cured those too.

I had a cataract so had a lens replacement. They took my sight up from -14 to -3. It couldn't be taken higher as I have quite a significant astigmatism. I still wear contact lenses as obviously I still need correction but the improvement im my sight is so wonderful. I can cope at home without reaching for glasses the second I wake up. The other eye was done on the NH because of the significant difference in sight in each eye. I couldn't have afforded it privately. That cataract was the best thing that happened to my eye . I had the operation when I was 56.

@dane8 I’ll report back when I have been for my consultation at the end of next week. I’m going to the Custom Vision Clinic in Leeds.