UK medical first: Laser used to dissolve cataracts

A new laser treatment that actually dissolves cataracts in the eye has been introduced into the UK by one of the country’s top eye hospitals. The London Eye Hospital (www.londoneyehospital.com) on Harley Street in London is first in the UK to introduce the FemtoSecond laser treatment for the removal of cataracts or clear lens extraction, revolutionising cataract surgery, with a Wolverhampton resident one of the first to undertake the treatment.

Contrary to popular belief, cataracts have not been treated with laser surgery in the UK before. The current technique for cataract surgery or clear lens extraction involves an incision with a blade of approximately 3mm by the surgeon who also creates an opening into the lens and then breaks up the cataract using high frequency ultrasound, a process known as phacoemulsification. This procedure has been refined over the last 25 years and offers a safe and effective but highly invasive option.

By comparison, the next generation of cataract surgery would not look out of place in a science fiction movie. The FemtoSecond cataract laser creates a 3-dimensional model of the eye at close to a micron level of accuracy, in real-time. Controlled by a sophisticated surgeon-guided computer, the laser then dissolves the lens or cataract using perfect precision and also creates the incision that could be as small as a pin-prick.

Bobby Qureshi, Consultant Opthalmic Surgeon and Medical Director at The London Eye Hospital - and currently the only surgeon able to offer the laser treatment - says this new technique will change cataract surgery forever: 

“The FemtoSecond laser has been specially designed to bring an extraordinary level of accuracy and reproducibility to refractive cataract surgery, making this the single greatest breakthrough in cataract and lens extraction surgery in nearly 30 years. No matter how accurate manual procedures may have seemed in the past, they simply cannot compete with the accuracy and precision that is now possible with laser cataract removal, which means that this surgery is now safer than ever before.”

Because the high-tech laser has been designed specifically for refractive cataract surgery, this new procedure will bring the power of image-guided computer precision to Mr Qureshi and his team. As a result, treatments can be individually tailored to each patient’s eyes and deliver a remarkable degree of accuracy. In addition, because the equipment features a customisable 3D surgical platform, it makes it much easier to visualise, customise and perform many of the most challenging steps of cataract surgery.

This new approach to cataract surgery also reduces the risk of complications associated with older techniques such as damage to the fine membrane surrounding the lens and - as the incision is so small – reduces the risk of infection. As such, this new procedure represents a huge increase in safety and reduces the risks of cataract surgery even further.

Mr Bobby Qureshi became the first UK surgeon to use a FemtoSecond laser for cataract surgery at the London Eye Hospital on Harley Street at the start of December 2011 Mr Qureshi says the new technique will change people’s lives:

“Cataracts affect over 60% of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger patients as well. In fact, the condition is so common that almost everyone will develop a cataract if they live long enough. For years, many people have accepted cataracts as an unavoidable part of getting older, but that doesn’t now need to be the case. With this new breakthrough in laser refractive surgery, we can now offer a safe and effective alternative to cataract removal in the UK.”

Case Studies
Susan Morgan, 52, from Weybridge in Surrey, recently had a FemtoLaser cataract extraction and implantation of light adjustable lens in her left eye:

“I’ve never had an ordinary cataract operation to compare it to but the laser treatment was fantastic. I was under it for a very short time and it all seemed very easy. I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure or afterwards – in fact I didn’t need a single painkiller and just had a glass of champagne instead!

“Recovery has been very straightforward and my sight is now so much better. I’ve worn contact lenses since I was 16 and in the last few years I’ve had to wear reading glasses as well. I also had the start of a cataract but I’ll never need to have another operation on it or wear any sort of glasses or contacts again.

“Mr Qureshi was fantastic and explained everything so I felt very comfortable and safe. The treatment has had a huge impact already and really will be life changing.”

Suzanne Rogers, 58, from Wolverhampton, recently had a FemtoLaser lens extraction and implantation of a light adjustable lens in her right eye:

“It’s a very good experience all round for me. It was completely painless, which is excellent! To be honest I didn’t know what to expect but right from going in and all through the treatment I felt very at ease. The laser itself is great – you don’t feel anything and it’s over very quickly and then Mr Qureshi takes over to put the lens into the eye. I had no pain afterwards, either.

My sight is much improved and it’s wonderful to be able to see everything so clearly. Mr Qureshi tells me it will continue to improve, especially after I’ve had further adjustments in a few weeks with the adjustable implants. It’s certainly made a huge difference to my life already.”

The London Eye Hospital has opened a purpose-built operating suite incorporating the first installation of the FemtoSecond cataract laser. The hospital is also the only clinic in the world to offer patients a choice between several different machines including the Technolas Perfect Vision. VICTUS and the Alcon LenSx FemtoSecond cataract lasers, meaning specialists can use the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

The London Eye Hospital brings together leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons to create a centre of excellence for the diagnosis and treatment of all eye conditions to the highest standard. All surgery is carried out at the London Eye Hospital, which is possibly the most advanced surgical centre in the world and registered with the Care Quality Commission. 

All London Eye Hospital surgeons hold NHS Consultant posts and are acclaimed experts in their specialist area with an international reputation. They are also registered with all the well-known medical insurance companies such as AXA, Bupa, Norwich Union, Standard Life and others.

The London Eye Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of eyecare without compromise. Patients will have the opportunity to discuss all treatment options including the latest technology and surgical techniques that are currently not available on the NHS, many of which have been pioneered by London Eye Hospital surgeons.

To find out more about the London Eye Hospital:

Tel: 0800 612 2021
Email: admin@londoneyehospital.com
www.londoneyehospital.com

(EDITOR: As the recipient of cataract removal and lens replacement several years ago, I am deeply fascinated by such developments.)

The picture that could save your life (Part of The That's Health Diabetes Series)

SPECSAVERS customers can now benefit from a potentially lifesaving health-assessment service, thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art fundus cameras in stores all over the UK.

What is a fundus camera? The fundus camera is actually a very clever and specialised microscope with an attached camera. It is designed to take a photograph of the interior surface of the eye, which is called the fundus, this is the only part of the human body where microcirculation of the blood can be observed directly.

Paul Carroll, director of professional services for Specsavers, says: ‘The fundus camera can play a vital role in the early diagnosis and management of many conditions, which can lead to blindness if not detected at an early stage. Some are potentially life-threatening.

"The fundus camera broadens the testing process to deliver a more in-depth health assessment for the customer. It also enables the patient to see the image, which helps them gain a greater understanding of the test. It is then retained as a record, to help monitor any changes over a prolonged period."

The free service is offered as part of an eye examination for customers aged over 40 or in cases where the optician or GP recommends it.

All Specsavers optometrists are trained to spot a range of health conditions as part of an eye examination. The use of the fundus camera broadens the testing process, enabling the detection of signs of glaucoma, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, age-related macular degeneration and vascular occlusions, as well as brain tumours, heart disease, high cholesterol, detached retinas and hypertension or high blood pressure. It is also used in retinal screening programmes.

Mr Carroll continues: "Our eyesight changes over time so it’s vital people come in for an eye examination at least once every two years. That’s even more important for higher risk groups, like the over 60s, diabetics and people with a family history of glaucoma."

To find your nearest store call 0800 068 0241 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk.

FACTFILE:
Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins in 1984 and is now the largest privately owned opticians in the world.

The couple still run the company, with their three children. Their son John is joint managing director
Specsavers has almost 1,600 stores throughout the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norw ay, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

Annual turnover for the Specsavers Group was £1.36 billion for 2009/10 and is forecast to reach £1.55 billion in 2010/11.

Specsavers optical stores and hearing centres are owned and run by joint venture or franchise partners. Together, they offer both optical and hearing services under one roof.

Specsavers employs over 26,000 members of staff.

Specsavers was voted Britain’s most trusted brand of opticians for the tenth year running by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey 2010.
More than one in three people who wear glasses in the UK buy them from Specsavers  – 9,700,000 glasses were exported from the warehouse to stores in 2009.

Specsavers was ranked No 1 for both eye tests and glasses in the UK.


Specsavers is the largest retail provider of home delivery contact lenses in Europe and one of the top two retail suppliers of continuous wear lenses in the world.

Specsavers is now the largest retail dispenser of digital hearing aids in the UK and offers a hearing service from more than 400 locations.

Specsavers supports numerous optical and hearing charities, including Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. During its three-year support for Diabetes UK it raised more than £250,000 to fund various projects.

Since 2003 over a quarter of a million glasses have been collected and recycled by Specsavers stores for Vision Aid Overseas, for use in developing countries. Specsavers has raised over £370,000 for the charity since 2006, with almost £245,000 going towards its work in Zambia.

British designed and manufactured lens corrects life-long sight problems and restores confidence for 59-year-old Jill Lang

HR advisor and corporate coach Jill Lang’s vision problems were so severe that she had relied on glasses, contact lenses and ultimately a combination of the two since early childhood. But as cataracts worsened her sight even further, Jill discovered a special kind of implant and eye surgery – designed by Queen’s Award for Industry award-winner, Rayner Intraocular Lenses - that would leave her glasses-free for the first time in 55 years.

The self-employed home-worker from Cirencester became one of a small number of patients to receive a made-to-order T-flex Toric intraocular lens (IOL) from the Sussex-based lens manufacturer this year. The operation has enabled her to see clearly without glasses for the first time since early childhood, restoring not only her sight but also her confidence: “I’ve gone from needing glasses to see things right in front of my eyes, to barely needing glasses at all.

“It is wonderful – being able to walk around the house and see everything clearly, and also being able to look out of the windows and see everything in the distance just with my eyes and no glasses or contact lenses. Losing your sight really ebbs away at your confidence – you start to question what may happen in the future. I’ve got rid of my cataracts and gained great vision at the same time.”

Jill, who has been extremely shortsighted her whole life struggled to see the blackboard when she was just four years old. After relying on glasses for day-to-day vision for over a decade, she received one of the first rigid multicurve contact lenses when she was 17 years old. The multicurve contact lens – a then revolutionary optical aid – had a special aspheric shape to minimise visual disturbances, while providing a convenient glasses-free method of seeing clearly. However after time, these hard lenses were damaging Jill’s eyes and she was moved onto soft gas permeable contact lenses, which worked for some time but 10-15 years later, they just weren’t strong enough.

At this point, Jill was prescribed a combination of contact lenses and glasses to correct her vision and enable her to go about her everyday life. “It was an expensive option, but it absolutely kept me going,” she explains. A couple of years ago, Jill developed cataracts, and was once again was plagued with severe vision problems.

This time, however, seeking treatment for her cataracts presented Jill with the unique opportunity of also correcting her lifelong shortsightedness and astigmatism with a tailor-made toric intraocular lens (IOL). The T-flex is an injectable lens developed specifically to correct astigmatism with high precision, at the same time as providing a clear replacement lens for individuals with cataracts.

Gloucestershire-based consultant eye surgeon Richard Caesar performed Jill’s operation. He said: “For most of our cataract patients we can use ready-made IOLs. Jill fell so far outside the standard IOL power range in both her degree of shortsightedness and astigmatism that she needed an incredibly special lens. She is one of the first patients in this county who has had a Toric IOL implanted for such extreme refractive error and we are delighted with her results.”

He added: “The Rayner IOL is incredibly well made and it is very stable. Once it’s in the eye it doesn’t rotate, which means that it gives you a very predictable result.”

Rayner Intraocular Lenses Chairman and Managing Director, Donald Munro said: “We pride ourselves in being able to design and provide premium-quality bespoke lenses for patients with intricate needs such as those experienced by Jill Lang. To be able to give clear sight and thereby change the life of individuals such as this through excellence in design and manufacture is a large part of what drives us.”

Indeed, Jill, who pre-operatively had very poor respective spherical and cylindrical refractions of -15.50 and -4.75 in her right eye, and -20.00 and -5.00 in her left eye, now has remarkably improved right eye spherical and cylindrical respective refractions of -1.75 and -1.00 in her right eye and -1.00 and -0.75 in her left eye.

Jill explains: "Not many people would underestimate the value of being able to see clearly. My cataracts are gone, and I no longer have to struggle with contact lenses and glasses - it really has been incredible. ”

For more information about Rayner lenses

(EDITOR: As a former cataract sufferer, I can agree that such implants make ALL the difference! And if you have a doctor who says you are too young to have the operation or that your cataract/s are not 'ripe' enough to be treated, then your doctor is 20/30 years behind the times and it might be worth considering changing your doctor.)