| How
safe is the procedure?
PRELEX uses new technology in the form of the multi-focal lens or pseudo-accommodative
lens, combined with a well proven surgical procedure. Every year
in the UK alone almost a quarter of million people undergo cataract
surgery, in which the lens is replaced with a lens implant using
the same surgical techniques required for PRELEX. At Grange Eye
Consultants your surgeon is highly skilled and trained in both the
procedure itself and the new technology.
As
with all surgery there are risks, even though cataract surgery is
now considered one of the quickest and safest surgical interventions
available. PRELEX is the same procedure in a non-cataract patient.
Although the vast majority of patients achieve excellent results
without complications, it should not be forgotten that PRELEX is
a surgical procedure. As with all forms of eye surgery, PRELEX has
risks and whilst we make every effort to minimize them they cannot
be totally eliminated. You can discuss these risks further with
your surgeon, but in the end, only you can determine if the benefits
of having PRELEX are worth it for you. As an elective procedure,
there always exists the alternative of wearing glasses, bifocals
or contact lenses.
Although
the vast majority of patients achieve excellent results without
complications, it should not be forgotten that PRELEX is a surgical
procedure. As with all forms of eye surgery, PRELEX has risks and
whilst we make every effort to minimize them they cannot be totally
eliminated.
| The
most common risks associated with PRELEX are: |
| i. |
Retinal
Detachment – occurs when the retina detaches from
its normal position and can result in severe loss of
vision if surgical correction is not successful. The
approximate risk of a retinal detachment in the general
population is 0.01 % per year. Someone who is hyperopic
has a smaller risk than this, whereas a myopic patient
has a slightly higher risk than this. |
| ii. |
Infection
- every time there is an incision made in an eye for any reason
it is possible to get an infection inside the eye which has
the potential to cause severe visual loss. This problem is extremely
rare and our rate of endophthalmitis is less than 0.03%. After
the PRELEX operation, to help protect against infection eye-drops
are prescribed which must be used as directed |
| iii. |
Macular
Oedema – is an accumulation of fluid at the central
retina which can cause temporary or permanent reduction
in vision after surgery. The postoperative eye-drops also
help to reduce this risk. |
iv. |
Floaters – are often noticeable immediately
after surgery but usually become less noticeable with time. |
v. |
Posterior
Capsule Opacification (PCO) – is thickening of the
residual lens membrane which supports the lens implant.
Approximately 25% of patients will, at some stage, notice
a reduction in their vision due to PCO. It may occur months
or even years after surgery and is easily and quickly dealt
with by outpatient laser treatment. |
| vi. |
Other
possible complications include tearing of the lens capsule
(<1%)
which could mean that it is more difficult to implant an intraocular
lens. There are other extremely rare complications which
your surgeon will discuss with you prior to surgery. |
How
common is PRELEX?
Although
you may not have heard about PRELEX, the procedure itself is regularly
performed by a number of Consultants in the UK. It has previously
been called by a variety of names so the promotion of it under the
name PRELEX is relatively new.
PRELEX
has recently received the  Mark
in the European Union.
Why
should I choose Grange Eye Consultants for my PRELEX?
 Our
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, have each performed in excess
of 6,000 cataract procedures so are highly skilled in the removal
of the natural lens using the latest micro-incision phaco technology.
They have been using foldable IOLs and multi-focal lenses for
over 8 years. When using a multi-focal or accommodative lens,
particularly in the PRELEX patient, accurate biometry is crucial
to select the right power for your eyes. At Grange Eye Consultants
we use the latest technology to measure all aspects of the
eye enabling us to achieve the best visual outcome thereby eliminating
or reducing your dependence on glasses.
|
