Overview of Lens Replacement Surgery

What is Lens Replacement Surgery?

One of the most popular elective surgical procedures carried out worldwide nowadays is lens replacement. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals who are 40 years of age or older. By utilising state-of-the-art lenses, it can provide patients with improved vision at various distances, offering them the freedom they desire. There is a wide range of premium synthetic intraocular lenses (IOLs) to choose from.

The surgeon overseeing your treatment will advise you on the most suitable option. Surgery to replace the lens can be done whether or not there is a cataract present. Through this procedure, the eye's natural lens is substituted with a high-quality synthetic intraocular lens (IOL), enabling our patients to regain clear vision of the world. Undergoing lens replacement surgery prior to the development of cataracts can eliminate the necessity for future cataract surgery.

Many patients opt to have both eyes treated at once, which is called simultaneous bilateral lens replacement. With delayed sequential lens replacement, each eye is treated on a separate day, allowing for a more personalised and focused approach to your vision correction.

What Types of Lenses are there?

Monofocal Lenses

These lenses are primarily utilised to decrease reliance on eyeglasses for long-distance vision, such as driving. After monofocal lens surgery, many patients may still find it necessary to wear glasses for tasks like reading from a mobile phone or tablet, as well as using a computer. A different approach to treating presbyopia involves using monofocal lenses. This technique, known as 'monovision', involves implanting a single-focus lens in one eye for optimal distance vision and another single-focus lens in the other eye for optimal near vision.

Presbyopia Correcting Lenses

These lenses, which can be referred to as multifocal, bifocal, trifocal or extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) aim to reduce dependence on glasses for a wide range of activities, and are designed to allow good vision at all distances – near, intermediate and far. The vast majority of patients don’t require any glasses after surgery while those who typically require them only for a minority of daily tasks.

Toric Lenses

A toric lens is utilised to optimise the visual outcome for patients with moderate or significant astigmatism. You can choose between monofocal or presbyopia correcting IOLs. Once they are placed within the eye, they effectively correct astigmatism and enhance your visual acuity.

POTENTIAL RISKS

Few patients may experience a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). YAG laser treatment is a rapid, painless, non-invasive method of successfully restoring clear eyesight. During lens replacement surgery, the natural lens is removed, while the thin capsule surrounding the back of the lens is left intact to provide support for the lens implant. Cloudiness in the capsule can potentially affect your vision in the months or even years after the surgery. According to data from Eagle Opticals, the chances of this condition developing after a lens replacement procedure are less than 10% within 12 months.

Before undergoing lens replacement surgery, some patients may encounter certain side effects related to their vision while wearing glasses or contact lenses. These effects can include experiencing glare, starbursts, or 'halos' around lights, as well as symptoms of dry eye. These side effects may occur after surgery, but most patients experience a gradual improvement or resolution of their symptoms over time. Additionally, as we get older, there may be other factors that can affect the quality of our vision or lead to symptoms of dryness in the eyes, which are not related to any surgical procedures involving the lens.

It is extremely uncommon for a patient to experience infection in the eye following lens replacement surgery. The incidence of endophtalmitis is less than 0.01% at Eagle Opticals. Similarly, the occurrence of microbial keratitis on the outer surface of the eye after lens replacement surgery is also less than 0.01%. It's important to consider that infections are much more prevalent in individuals who wear contact lenses for an extended period of time. In fact, the risk is 20 times higher per year of wear for these patients.

Although complications are rare, some patients may experience swelling or abrasions on the cornea, inflammation within the eye, bleeding inside the eye, damage to the lens support membrane, lens implant displacement or discoloration, remnants of the natural lens causing inflammation, retinal complications such as swelling or detachment, vitreous opacities or floaters, wound leaks, elevated eye pressure, glaucoma, droopy eyelids, or double vision. Although complications can arise, the occurrence of such issues after lens replacement surgery is exceedingly rare. 

Extremely Rare

Like with all forms of surgery, there are potential risks associated with the use of anaesthetic, including a squint or ‘lazy eye’ and droopy eyelids, which resolve in the longer term in the majority of cases.

Permanent reduction is the best correctable vision and cardiac or respiratory problems are extremely rare. Lens replacemet surgery in the presence or absence of a cataract isn’t reversible (the natural lens cannot be put back in your eye), though where deemed to be clinically necessary, a lens exchange procedure can be performed, where the implanted IOL is removed and replaced with an alternative lens.

It's important to discuss the possible risks and side effects with your surgeon and go through a comprehensive evaluation before the surgery to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Your surgeon is dedicated to offering personalised guidance, addressing any concerns you may have, and assisting you in making an informed decision about lens replacement surgery. Furthermore, adhering closely to the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon can help reduce the chances of complications and enhance your recovery.

Preparing For Your Procedure Day

Informed Consent Document

Please refrain from signing the document, as its completion is required in the presence of your clinician.

Payment

You are required to guarantee that you have fully paid for your surgery or executed a valid financing agreement prior to the scheduled date of the procedure. You will not be granted treatment in the event that there remains an unpaid balance.

User of Contact Lenses 

On the day of your procedure, your optometrist will have instructed you not to wear your contact lenses. You must ensure that you have complied with their instructions.

Ocular Prescription Drops 

At a previous consultation, your optometrist or surgeon may have prescribed eye drops, lubricants, or ointments; therefore, it is imperative that you adhere to their instructions.

General

-        Please allow yourself enough travel time to arrive at the clinic on time.

-        You can expect to be with us for about 3 hours.

-        You will be unable to drive after your surgery and should make alternative travel arrangements. We would advise that you bring a friend or family member with you.

-        If you are travelling a long distance, you may wish to plan an overnight stay in local accommodation.

-        You should continue to take any medication unrelated to your corrective eye surgery as normal. Please, feel free to contact the surgery support tram should you have any questions regarding your medication.

-        Do not wear any make-up, nail varnish or acrylic nails and make sure that any old eye make-up has been completely removed. We would advise that you do not wear eye make-up for at least 24 hours before your surgery date.

-        Do not wear perfume or aftershave.

-        Wear comfortable, loose cotton clothing and avoid sweaters or any materials that are made from loose fibres.

-        We would recommend that you eat a light meal up to 2 hours before arriving at the clinic.

-        If you are taking Warfarin, please bring your booklet that records your INR levels.

-        If you are diabetic, you must bring a letter from your GP to confirm your regular blood sugar level and it is currently stable.

-        Your first post-operative appointment is the day after your surgery. It is important for you to attend to make sure your eyes are healing correctly.

CHART INDICATION OF THE TIME FRAME TO GO BACK TO YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES OR HOBBIES POST-SURGERY

ACTIVITIES	TIME FRAME
Showering	6 hours after surgery.
Driving	4-7 days after surgery.
Back to Work	4-7 days after surgery.
Gadgets (Mobile phones, Tablets, Computers, TV)	6 hours after surgery.
Dusty environments	7 days after surgery.
House Chores	4-7 days after surgery.
Jogging	1 week after surgery.
BEAUTY	TIME FRAME
Hair Dying	2 weeks after surgery.
Microblading	2 weeks after surgery.
Application of false eye-lashes	4 weeks after surgery.
Facials	2 weeks after surgery.
Application of eye makeup	7 days – 2 weeks after surgery.
Application of fake tan	1 month after surgery.
Sauna or Sunbath	2-4 weeks after surgery.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES	TIME FRAME
Cinema	24-48 hours after surgery.
Party/Dance	1 week after surgery.
Drink Alcohol	48-72 hours after surgery.

HOBBIES	TIME FRAME
Reading (print and online)	2 weeks after surgery.
Shopping	2 weeks after surgery.
Traveling	4 weeks after surgery.
DIY	2 weeks after surgery.
Painting	7 days – 2 weeks after surgery.
Video Games	1 month after surgery.
Swimming	2 weeks after surgery.
Football	2 weeks after surgery.

PAYMENT

To secure the booking of your surgical procedure, a minimum deposit of up to £500 is necessary. Please ensure the remaining payment is made 7 days before your surgical procedure. Off-setting the balance 7 days before your surgical procedure is essential. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the process, and the deposit paid will be non-refundable.

You can use the deposit to reschedule to a different date. Please note that the rescheduling of the date needs to be done within 3 months from the original cancellation of the surgery. Rebooking is limited to a single occurrence and cannot be transferred to another patient.

During the initial consultation, the optometrist will provide a comprehensive overview of all the costs. You can find all the information regarding eye care and surgery costs in the price list provided in the treatment section of our website. The initial consultation is typically offered at no cost. Nevertheless, suppose you decide not to proceed with the treatment after the complimentary initial consultation. In that case, Eagle Opticals may apply reasonable administrative charges for conducting the consultation based on the information provided during the booking process. If you are ready to move forward after the initial consultation, you can proceed to book any treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the costs of your care, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +44330 043 4462 or by email (contact@eagleopticals.co.uk).

You will be accountable for any expenses related to your treatment, and all payment details will be given to you during or after the initial consultation. Please ensure that payment for your treatment or appointment is made in cleared funds no later than 7 days before your scheduled date. You will be responsible for covering the hospital's prescriptions and consumables expenses.

You must inform us if you choose to stop receiving ongoing treatment. Charges for treatment that you have received up until the point that you notify are charged in full, but you will not be charged after you decide to cancel or reschedule a treatment less than 72 hours before the due appointment. If it exceeds 72 hours and you choose to cancel or reschedule treatment, you will be charged a late cancellation/non-attendance fee.

On any occasion, we make decisions regarding your treatment and discover that you may no longer be required to receive any ongoing treatment from us. We will let you know as soon as possible and explain our decision. We will charge you for all treatments, private prescriptions, and consumables you have received until we notify you. No charges apply after this point. You are not obligated to continue receiving ongoing treatment from us. We will let you know as soon as possible and explain our decision. There are no obligations required to discontinue treatment once you start. However, you may be advised of the risks involved. Eagle Opticals will not be held responsible for any costs incurred in attending your treatments, such as transportation or accommodation.

After you are discharged from our post-operative care, we recommend that you arrange yearly eye examinations. You are responsible for taking these examinations and must pay any applicable charge. Alternatively, patients undergoing lens replacement or cataract surgery may also attend a refractive surgery follow-up consultation, which involves more in-depth diagnostic tests than a standard eye examination.

Suppose unforeseen circumstances arise and decisions are made regarding your treatment such that you can no longer receive ongoing treatment. In that case, you will be informed as soon as possible and backed with reasons. You will be charged for all treatments and consumables received until you are notified. No charges apply after this point.

Alternative dates and times for treatment will be provided. On occasions where it is impossible to reschedule your treatment, you will be refunded any amount paid for the treatment.

Payment plans are available, which gives patients the advantage of spreading the payment across a specific period. The payment plan will be discussed during the initial consultation, and a consent form containing the terms and conditions for such a payment system will be provided accordingly.

Overdue debts will be referred to a debt collection agency as approved by Eagle Opticals. At that stage, you may become liable for interest and the cost of recovering the debt. Eagle Opticals reserves the right to add collection costs and interest for any services provided to any overdue account.

PAYMENT CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

Before the initial consultation, if you cannot attend your appointment, we kindly request that you notify us at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling +44330 043 4462. After booking a treatment, you have a 7-day cooling-off period to cancel the treatment without any charges. Nevertheless, any treatment received during the seven (7) day cooling off period will require payment. Additionally, if you decide to cancel or reschedule a treatment within 24 hours of the appointment, we may charge you 25% of the treatment price as a late cancellation/non-attendance fee. Eagle Opticals is committed to providing you with a refund for any excess amounts already paid to cancellation or non-attendance fees. Kindly be advised that Eagle Opticals cannot assume responsibility for any expenses related to attending the treatment, including transportation or accommodation. Refunds will not be provided for such costs.

If your ophthalmic surgeon suggests an alternative surgery option, such as a multifocal lens instead of a mono-focal lens, there could be an additional cost. This additional payment is required in addition to the previous amount paid. You have the authority to decide whether to continue or discontinue the treatment. If you choose not to proceed with the suggested surgery, you can cancel and receive a refund for your initial payment.

If your surgery date is changed within 21 days of your planned surgery, there will be a charge of £…… per eye. No fees will be associated if the date is modified more than 21 days before your scheduled surgery.

Overview

a.     We may not be able to offer you a consultation or treatment with a member of the same sex. If you are concerned, please ask your clinic manager for a chaperone, who will stay with you during your consultation or treatment.

b.     If you would like to discuss anything relating to your consultation or treatment in confidence, please speak to your clinic manager.

c.     We may change our prices from time to time. We will honour the charge for your treatment that we give you at your pre-treatment consultation (if it is lower than our current prices at the time of your treatment), but only if you book your treatment within 14 days of the pre-treatment consultation. If we reduce our prices for your treatment following your pre-treatment consultation, we will charge you the lower price that applies at the time of your treatment.

d.     If we reduce the price of your treatment after the date of your treatment, we will not issue a refund.

Complaint Procedure

If you have a complaint about any part of our service, please tell your clinic manager. Wherever possible, the clinic manager will deal with your complaint as quickly and efficiently as possible. If your complaint does not fall within the clinic manager’s area of responsibility, they will pass your complaint to the appropriate department, who will investigate and respond to you.

If you ever find yourself dissatisfied with the response from our Clinical Manager or staff member, or if you prefer not to discuss your concerns with the Clinical Manager directly, you can request assistance from our Clinical Services. Please send your complaint in writing to (contact@eagleopticals.co.uk) or you can contact us directly (+44330 043 4462). We appreciate your professionalism.