Anyone had a Lens Replacement?

[ATownCryer]

I wear contact lenses with reading glasses on top or specs. Add in prescription sunglasses and reading sunglasses and it’s such a bind.

Im late 50s with very early cataract, too early for NHS but I’m considering paying.
Reading comfortably without glasses is very important to me, as is having good distance vision.
A friend had both eyes done at once and is very positive.
If you have experience I’d be grateful to hear it please.

I was in my late 50’s when l developed cataracts and had worn contact lenses for 25 years. I had both lens replaced when the NHS removed the cataracts. My eyes are still fine 20 years on apart from needing reading glasses for some things

A couple of my relatives have had this done (cataracts) and my optician had it done after a detached retina - on the nhs so they only did the one eye!
I’m curious to know how much it would be to get it done privately as I’d be very tempted.

You want multi focal lenses for both distance and close vision and these are only available privately. The cost is around £3K to £4.5K per eye depending on where you have them done. Monofocal are considerably cheaper but of course, you then have to make a decision as to your post-op vision. I’ve just had my second eye done on the NHS, having my first ten years ago following retinal detachment. I have amazing distance vision as I wanted sharp vision for driving. I wear reading glasses and prefer it this way.

My husband had lens replacement on both eyes several years ago. He paid privately and I think it cost around about £4000 for both eyes
He said it was money well spent as he could no longer tolerate contact lenses.
I also know some friends who have had it done and are very happy with the results

Dp had his done (no choice) and paid for better lenses. He does still use reading glasses but he had an astigmatism and a really high prescription, the surgeon didn't recommend varifocal replacement lenses

You may as well have them done now and get the benefit, you'll need them done sooner or later.

Having said that I'd only have one eye done at a time, it's an operation, which like any has a risk of an adverse outcome, including one which could affect both eyes if you have both at the same time.

Thank you for the comments. The surgeon that has been recommended works at Moorfields so I’d imagine he’s experienced.
I think she paid £9k which is so much, but I spend a fortune on specs and daily disposables.
If I went for multi focal does that mean I could read without Readers?

How long would I be not driving and off work?

I'm 59 and had both mine done almost 6 years ago with 1 week apart. I paid £6k private via Optimax for multi focal lenses. I no longer need glasses for reading although there is a compromise on distance. I had them done due to age related eye sight problems and because I hated wearing glasses or contact lenses.
I've had to have laser treatment on both lenses due to either calcium deposits or scar tissue issues causing fogging - the right lens after 16 months and then the left lens just a couple of months ago. I may have to have further laser treatments in the future. Fortunately both these remedial treatments were done on the NHS.
Despite the issues I'm still glad I had it done.

I assume that multi focal lenses would mean that you need no adjustment or minimal adjustment at both distance and close vision. I don’t think this could be guaranteed though, but I may be wrong. As for work and driving, I had my first lens replacement on a Friday and was back at work on the Monday. I was able to drive the next day on both occasions but of course this depends on your vision. Some people may find this is a bit blurry for a few days. I can tell you it’s a real novelty and a real joy being able to see my bedside clock as soon as I wake up.

Is that £6000 for each eye, or together?

I wonder if the NHS will ever offer multi-focal lenses. I have astigmatism at oblique angles and very short sighted, and now need varifocals, and I wonder about getting this done some time, but if I'm still going to always end up in glasses, I'm not sure it's worth it.

I had cataracts done on NHS so single vision. Done a few weeks apart. First one wasn’t too long a time off. Before I needed glasses to drive and now I need for reading instead.

When the first was done they said to just take one lens out of my glasses to drive.
It was a longer wait after the second. Not for driving I could do that easily. But to get reading glasses (and see my work screen) I had to wait I think 6 weeks for everything to settle. And then 2 weeks for the prescription reading/monitor glasses. So that delayed my return to work as it’s mostly screen and/or reading paperwork based.

A client had his done privately as he couldn’t enjoy scuba diving etc. He had variable lenses and both at the same time. Said it was the best thing he ever did.

I'd love to have this done my eyes are terrible

Watching with interest

Had my lens replacement about 7 years ago, one of the best decisions I've made. I had been long sighted for a while but had got to the point of needing variofocals and just hated them. I could not get on with contact lenses, actually couldn't get them in my small eyes. Ended up in tears of frustration at the consultation.
It was this that made me decide to go with it. Think it was about £7k for both eyes. Could have got it done cheaper but went with a consultant who worked extensively at a leading eye hospital. I am squeamish about eyes but the op is just a breeze, you don't know anything is happening. And the next day you can bin the glasses.
I was 51 when I had it done and if you factor in the cost of glasses, check ups etc I think it was money well spent.

I had mine done last year. Had Alcon Vivity lenses which I've found amazing. Apparently, my pupils were too big for true multi focals. After 30 years of wearing contacts and glasses it's a complete game changer. I had the start of a cataract too.

I was -9 and had mine done last Sept a few days apart, best thing I ever did! Only downside is halos when driving at night are quite significant but I don't drive much when it's dark luckily