Better vision in focus. OPTEGRA EYE HEALTH CARE Patient guide to refractive vision correction surgery

Transcription

1 Better vision in focus OPTEGRA EYE HEALTH CARE Patient guide to refractive vision correction surgery 1

2 HELPING PEOPLE LIVE FULLER LIVES WELCOME TO OPTEGRA Welcome to Optegra Eye Health Care, where our goal is to help people live fuller lives. In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision about having surgery to correct your vision (commonly referred to as refractive surgery). Optegra is a pioneer in eye health care in the UK, operating seven dedicated eye hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, Manchester, Central London, North London, Surrey and Yorkshire. All of our hospitals offer a calm and comfortable environment, with exceptional quality and safety standards, and a first-class team of eye health specialists. As a result, our patients feel relaxed and thoroughly supported from their very first visit. And they achieve the first-class visual results they desire. Within these dedicated eye hospitals, our Consultant Ophthalmic (eye-care) Surgeons perform the full spectrum of eye-care procedures ranging from laser vision correction and cataract removal, to the treatment of medical eye conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) all under one roof. When it comes to correcting vision problems such as long or short sightedness, our Consultant-led service offers a variety of options that can potentially eliminate your reliance on glasses and/or contact lenses. These treatments include laser vision correction procedures (LASIK, LASEK, PRESBYOND and SMILE) as well as lens replacement (Clarivu), in which the natural lens of your eye(s) is replaced with an artificial lens. If you ve been told you have a cataract, this guide will help you understand more about the surgical procedure that corrects this, as well as the type of artificial lenses that can be used to restore your vision. This guide will also walk you through the journey you are about to go on, helping you to determine what procedure is best for you and fully understand the initial screening examination, and what to expect before and after surgery. Once you have finished reviewing this guide, feel free to call our freephone number to speak with a Patient Advisor. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help you schedule a consultation. Everyone at Optegra takes a great deal of pride in providing excellent care for every single patient at our eye hospitals and clinics. This high standard is reflected in testimonials from patients, as well as in our excellent rankings by independent organisations, such as Trustpilot.com. Whether or not you choose to have a treatment with us, we hope you find this guide informative and helpful in your decision-making process. 2 3

3 PRE-SURGERY Refractive treatment profiles Joel is a 31-year-old teacher from Stoke. I m always on the move around the college and, needless to say, I ve lost more than one pair of specs while at work. He could benefit from LASIK, LASEK or SMILE procedures to free him from glasses. YOUR JOURNEY TO A FULLER LIFE STARTS HERE Lisa, a 47-year-old journalist based in London, works intensively on the computer as well as interviewing people for her stories. She needs a flexible solution for close work and when facing the public, which laser treatment could provide. I d like to ditch the glasses if I m honest, she says. Anthony, 62, doesn t look or act his age. He may be retired, but he s busier than ever. Anthony is particularly troubled by his cataracts when driving at night. I really struggle and I m not even close to being ready to give up my car, he explains. Cataract removal or lens replacement could significantly improve his quality of life. You are reading this guide because you are considering vision correction to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. Like you, many people contemplate (and have) vision correction every day. And although their end goal better vision is the same, their underlying motivation varies. Perhaps you play sports on a regular basis and find that glasses or contact lenses get in the way of the game. Or, maybe you ve recently been diagnosed with a cataract and want to get your vision back to what it used to be. Just as motivations differ from person to person, so does the best vision correction option and approach to care. We understand this and that s why at Optegra we focus on creating a personalised and fully-informed experience for all our patients. We want you to feel completely at ease at every stage of your vision correction journey, and that begins with understanding the options available to you, their advantages and disadvantages, how much they cost, and that the dedicated specialist team that will care for you and your eyes are the very best at what they do. In this section, we will briefly explain: The vision correction options (each will be explained in greater detail in the next section) Factors to consider when making your decision Scheduling your consultation Financing your vision correction treatment Claire, 25, is studying for her PhD. I really tried to get on with contact lenses, but they re just not for me. I have astigmatism, meaning I need glasses especially for reading, which I m doing pretty much all of the time. Laser treatment may well be the answer Claire is looking for. 4 5

4 Pre-Surgery Pre-Surgery Treatments to match the condition Making your decision Whether you have short or long-sightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia (loss of near vision as we age) or you ve been diagnosed with cataracts, there are a number of treatment options available to you. For presbyopia, treatment options are: We know there are many things to For short or long-sightedness, options include: LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) This is a two-stage procedure that involves the creation of a thin flap of your cornea (the clear part of your eye) using a laser. This is followed by precise reshaping of your cornea based on the exact amount of refractive correction required to produce your desired visual outcome. Lens replacement (Clarivu) Just as is done for short- and long-sighted patients, this treatment removes the natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens that has a similar design to varifocal or bifocal glasses. PRESBYOND This laser procedure is a specialised corneal treatment that is designed to provide you with clearer vision at both near and distance. Cataracts: consider when making the decision to undergo a vision correction procedure. We also know that what matters most will be different for each person. At the top of the list should be the expertise and track record of the team that will perform the vision correction treatment and take care of you and your eyes. This is an area that Optegra truly excels in from our dedicated, purpose-built eye hospitals, to our team of highly qualified NHS-trained Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and clinical team. Optegra Eye Hospital Machester Optegra Eye Hospital Yorkshire Optegra Eye Clinic Leeds LASEK (laser-assisted epithelial keratomileusis) This procedure is known as a surface ablation treatment. Here, the Surgeon removes a very thin layer of corneal tissue before treating the surface of your cornea with a laser. Our solutions for patients with cataracts not only remove cataracts and restore a clear lens, they offer the added benefit of correcting astigmatism, presbyopia and longor short-sightedness at the same time. Ease of access is also important and we make that straightforward with seven dedicated eye hospitals and five eye clinics located throughout the UK. Optegra Eye Clinic Altrincham SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) This advanced procedure involves using a laser to soften a disc of corneal tissue, which is then removed through a micro-incision to correct your refractive error. Lens replacement This 2 in 1 outcome is achieved using a variety of leading-edge IOLs that are customised to your vision and lifestyle needs: Monofocal IOL - a high-quality, clear lens that delivers exceptional vision at a single distance Optegra Eye Clinic Wilmslow Optegra Eye Clinic Macclesfield Optegra Eye Hospital Birmingham If laser correction is not appropriate and your natural lens shows signs of aging, this procedure may be an option. Here, your Surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a high-technology artificial lens (intraocular lens [IOL]). Implantable contact lens (ICL) This procedure involves positioning a very thin lens in front of your natural lens in order to correct your shortor long-sightedness. Multifocal IOL a leading-edge lens designed to deliver clear vision at both distance and near Toric IOL a special type of lens designed to provide the unique level of stability and precision needed to treat astigmatism and deliver excellent vision at a single distance Aspheric IOL a unique lens designed specifically to improve visual clarity and visual phenomenon like glare and halos, under certain circumstances Optegra Eye Hospital North London Optegra Eye Clinic Maidenhead Optegra Eye Hospital London Optegra Eye Hospital North London Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire 6 7

5 Pre-Surgery Pre-Surgery Initial consultation and examination Why choose Optegra? Once you have made the decision to have vision correction, the next step is to book an appointment to discuss your treatment options, undergo a comprehensive examination and meet the team that will take care of you. To schedule an appointment, simply call the Optegra freephone number: or book through the Optegra website: Your initial consultation will take place at an Optegra eye hospital or clinic and will last around 2 hours. During this appointment, you will meet your Patient Liaison, who will accompany you throughout the process. You may also meet the Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who will perform the treatment, should you decide to have surgery. During this visit, the Optegra team will perform diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment for your vision problem. They will also explain the different treatment options that are right for you. You can then decide on your treatment plan with your consultant and, if you decide to move ahead, schedule a surgery date with your Patient Liaison. You will be given contact details for your Patient Liaison, so after your visit, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns - your Patient Liaison is always available to discuss with you. Partner testimonials Roger Nicklin No hesitation in recommending Optegra All the consultants they employ are of the highest calibre and experiences in their own fiels of ophthamology. It takes a long time to build trust in recommending our patients to a particular consultant. So far our patients have been very happy not only with our choice of consultant but also the facility itself. They often remark on the quality of the operating theatres and consulting rooms as well as the up to date equipment. Other patients are also very happy with their treatment for cataracts and AMD provided by Optegra s NHS contract. Optegra provides optometrists with training seminars for new surgical treatments and investigations. We have no hesitation in recommending Optegra. Bev Nelson Superb Consultants As an Optometrist, part of my role is to refer patients to Ophthalmic Consultants for treatment or firther assessment. I feel very fortunate that I am able to refer my patients to Optegra in Manchester. Having met many of the consultants that work there, I have no heistation whatsoever in recommending my patients go there for their treatment. The consultants are brilliant, straight talking and incredibly knowledgeable. I tell my patients straight, if they want the best treatment then they need to go to Optegra. The support staff are all brilliant answering phone calls and queries the patients may have. Could not ask for a better service. Optegra High Street Provider 1 High Street Provider 2 Trust Pilot Ranking ranked 1 out of 27 ranked 10 out of 27 ranked 7 out of 27 No. of Eye Surgeons Fixed Prices O yes Free Consultation with Surgeon O O Finance Options 0% for 24 months 0% for 10 months 0% for 10 months Price Matching O O Dedicated Eye Hospital O O All 3 modern laser techniques (LASIK, LASEK and SMILE) available As per December Financing If you are planning to undergo cataract surgery, let us know if you have medical insurance you would like to use to cover the cost of your treatment. Be sure to speak with us before contacting your insurer so we can provide you with the procedure code they will need to determine the level of cover they can provide in your particular case. At Optegra we pride ourselves on our completely transparent pricing system. While other eye care surgery providers may state the starting price for their services, we give you one specific and final price for each procedure O from the very beginning of your journey. This ensures that you are never surprised by hidden extras: the price you are given is the price you pay, regardless of the level of vision correction you require. We also offer a range of finance options that allow you to spread the cost of your payment if required. To learn more about our finance options please speak to your Patient Liaison. O 8 9

6 Surgery SURGERY YOUR VISION IN SAFE HANDS Who performs your surgery? Preparation for surgery At Optegra, your treatment will only be carried out by a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, leading a highly-trained clinical team that includes nurses and optometrists. From your initial consultation to your last visit, you will be seen by the same expert so you continue to get a consistent level of service and advice. All of our Surgeons have a wide range of expertise and experience, but you can also feel reassured by the fact that Optegra Surgeons are all NHS-trained Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (the UK s professional body for doctors specialising in eye-care). All are highly qualified, extensively trained and specialise in corneal and refractive treatments that have contributed to the advancement of their field. State-of-the-art equipment for outstanding outcomes With most things in life, success and quality can only be guaranteed when thoroughly researched solutions with exemplary efficacy are used. This is central to everything we do at Optegra and this ensures we provide outstanding visual outcomes. A good hospital should continue to invest in the latest diagnostic platforms, lens options and laser technologies that provide patients with first-class treatment solutions. Optegra Eye Sciences constantly audits, reviews and improves the surgical outcomes of all its eye hospitals and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons to ensure first-rate treatments are always provided. As our lives become more hectic and demanding, we require the best vision possible. At Optegra, we use innovative and high-quality instruments in the consultation process to determine the most effective treatment options for all patients. Such options make use of advanced surgical technologies like wavefront laser for refractive Laser eye surgery or femtosecond laser to achieve exceptional outcomes following cataract surgery. On the day of your treatment, your Patient Liaison and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon will welcome you on arrival at the Optegra eye hospital. This means you won t have to wait around unnecessarily and you won t have to repeat the ideas, concerns and expectations you voiced at your initial consultation. Your consultant will already be aware of everything discussed and decided with you to create your individualised treatment plan. Your peace of mind is important to us, so we make every effort to ensure your comfort in advance. You will be given plenty of time to go through the treatment procedure with the consultant and their team of highly-trained clinical team, and ask any questions you may have. Before the procedure begins, you will be taken into the treatment room and again made comfortable. You will usually be given a surgical cap to cover your hair. A series of anaesthetic drops will then be administered to your eye to ensure you do not feel anything during the process. The area around your eye will also be cleaned to minimise the risk of infection

7 Surgery Surgery THE PROCEDURES Myopia / Hyperopia / Astigmatism LASER: From LASIK to LASEK to SMILE LASIK LASEK SMILE All laser treatments involve the use of a laser to change the shape of your cornea and alter your eye s focusing power. The end result is that you will be able to see more clearly. At Optegra, we offer all three types of modern blade-less laser procedures available: LASIK, LASEK and third-generation SMILE. All will be recommended depending on your suitability. Optegra uses wavefront-optimised LASIK and LASEK as standard on all eligible patients, which allows the consultant to tailor your treatment to meet your exact visual needs. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most common laser treatment performed worldwide and is usually a two-stage procedure. It takes around 10 minutes to treat each eye. Once your eye has been anaesthetised, a femtosecond (see FAQ section) laser is used to create an extremely thin flap on your cornea. By using a laser instead of a blade, the flap can be created with greater precision and with minimal pain. The tissue under the flap is then reshaped using an excimer laser before the flap is carefully placed back again. LASEK (laser-assisted epithelial keratomileusis) is a surface treatment that avoids the need to create a corneal flap. The total treatment takes around 10 minutes per eye. It works by softening the thin upper layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, before moving it aside. An excimer laser is then applied to the exposed tissue before the thin layer is put back in its original position. A special contact lens is then applied to protect the epithelium while it heals. SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is the thirdgeneration and most advanced of laser treatments. It does not require a corneal flap to be created at all. Instead, the leading-edge procedure works by using femtosecond laser pulses to create extremely fine bubbles that outline a disc of softened corneal tissue, which is then removed through a tiny keyhole. LASEK is not a suitable treatment for astigmatism Excimer 3. laser Hinged flap Repositioned hinge flap 1. Trephine Corneal tissue Femtosecond laser Bubbles Corneal tissue 4. Excimer laser

8 Surgery Surgery Paula Opera singer Alternatives to laser eye surgery Laser eye surgery is not possible for everyone, that s why Optegra also offers a full range of alternative options that involve using lenses to maximise your vision. Treatment: Laser eye surgery for myopia Before: I was near sighted and I could see about 4 feet from my eyes. Everything was a blur and, I had headaches a lot. I wanted to be completely in the moment performing. LENS REPLACEMENT (CLARIVU) IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENS (ICL) If you have symptoms of age-related presbyopia, then laser eye surgery will not be suitable for you, but the most effective and permanent alternative solution is to have your natural lens replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The availability of new premium IOLs allows your consultant to offer you the chance to see at all distances. For those younger than 40 who are unable to have laser eye surgery, an additional lens can be inserted in front of each eye s natural lens. It s like wearing a contact lens inside your eye, instead of on its surface. And as no structures of the eye or cornea are changed, the procedure preserves the eye s natural ability to focus, while sharpening your vision. The ICL is practically invisible and designed to remain in place permanently. However, it can be removed or replaced by your consultant if necessary. Refractive Lens Exchange Natural lens IOL IOL Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Natural Lens Natural lens is removed Intraocular Lens (IOL) in place After: The surgery has absolutely changed my life. I love being able to step out on stage and see everything and take it all in

9 Surgery Surgery Bernie High Performance Coach for Athletes Presbyopia The natural aging of the eye means that as we grow older, our ability to focus sharply at all distances diminishes, giving rise to a condition known as presbyopia. At Optegra, we offer the most advanced treatment options for correcting this focusing problem. Treatment: Lens replacement for presbyopia PRESBYOND LENS REPLACEMENT (CLARIVU) Before: To combat the symptoms of age-related presbyopia and allow you to see clearly at different distances, the most effective solution is to remove your natural lens and implant an advanced premium IOL in its place. Refractive Lens Exchange Natural lens IOL PRESBYOND is a new treatment solution for presbyopia at Optegra. It combines wavefront-guided LASIK and monovision (where one eye is treated for distance vision and the other for near vision). Leading-edge laser technology from Carl Zeiss is used to create a blend zone customised to your eye, allowing you to achieve clear intermediate vision as well as distance and near. Losing quality vision had a massive impact on me I didn t feel safe. I was really worried, like anyone would be. These were my eyes my business, my life, my hobbies. IOL After: I was confident enough to believe in Optegra and the outcome for me was phenomenal I m doing things I was doing in my 20s. I m 56 now, so it s definitely life-changing. DISTANCE Increase in depth of field Natural lens is removed Intraocular Lens (IOL) in place Increase in depth of field NEAR Dominant eye ±0.0 D 16 Non-dominant eye ±1.5 D 17

10 Surgery Surgery Jon Cameraman Cataracts The natural clouding of the lens, known as a cataract, causes problems with vision, contrast and glare. Using state-of-the-art laser and advanced IOL technology, cataracts can be removed with greater ease and replaced with IOLs that provide the best possible vision for your lifestyle needs. CATARACT REFRACTIVE SURGERY This treatment solution takes around 20 minutes to perform, and goes beyond standard cataract surgery. It involves the use of computer-driven femtosecond laser cataract surgery with customised correction using IOLs that can help correct for distance, intermediate and near vision Cataract refractive surgery can be combined with the following treatments: LENS REPLACEMENT (CLARIVU) LASIK SMILE Treatment: Cataract surgery Before: I couldn t really see the distance. Even with glasses I couldn t get it crisp. I like it to be crisp. Because that s what we re supposed to do in our camera work. After: The treatment I had was life-changing. I never believed I would see as clearly as I did after the operation. I went out and it was a magic day

11 Post-Surgery POST-SURGERY HELPING PEOPLE LIVE FULLER LIVES What to expect after your surgery Experiencing clear vision for the first time in a while, or ever, can have quite an impact. Although different vision correction procedures have different effects and healing times, a real sense of liberation is often felt once the operation is over. Sometimes this is experienced immediately, sometimes a little later. A few simple measures will help you get the best results from your procedure and quickly return to full speed. LASEK Because the surface layer of the eye is removed in this procedure, the healing time naturally takes a little longer for LASEK patients. It is unlikely you will have clearer vision immediately, but life-changing results do come usually within 1 to 2 weeks, when your eyes are fully healed and your sight achieves peak clarity. General advice for all procedures Be sure to arrange for a responsible adult to pick you up after your surgery as you won t be able to drive for a while. Your eyes will be dry even if they don t feel like it so you ll be given lubricating eye drops after your procedure. Please use these regularly to keep your eyes well moisturised and as comfortable as possible. Depending on the nature of your work, you may find it best to take a few days off work if possible. Your body will need time to recover, however minor the procedure is. You will need to see your Surgeon to check on your progress in the days, weeks and sometimes months following your procedure. During these follow-up appointments, you will receive advice about how to proceed, plus medication to counter any potential problems such as infection, swelling and dryness. LASIK and SMILE Some patients report a marked difference in the sharpness and definition of their vision as quickly as straight after the procedure. Others have blurred sight for a while, taking a few days to reach clear vision. The exact speed with which sharp vision is restored varies from person to person, but whether it takes hours or days, when clear vision is achieved, patients say the dramatic change is exciting and uplifting. It all begins once the anaesthetic wears off completely and you start to get your bearings. As your eyes heal and your vision sharpens further with each passing day, you will begin to appreciate a marked difference between the vision you had before surgery and your new and improved eyesight. Most patients become increasingly aware of how liberating life without a dependence on glasses or contact lenses is: no more steamed-up or rain-streaked glasses and no need to find a safe place for your glasses before jumping in the shower. For most patients, the reality of being able to see clearly unaided every day is a true revelation. The downtime after surgery is minimal. LASIK patients are usually ready to go back to work in just 24 hours, while those who have had the SMILE procedure take a little longer to heal. You can work, read and watch TV after 24 hours, and fly after 48 hours as long as you keep your eyes well moisturised with your eye drops. You will need to rest and keep your eyes closed for the first few hours after surgery. Take painkillers if you feel a need to. Although the discomfort associated with the procedure is minimal, you may begin to experience a dull, aching feeling in your eye as the anaesthetic wears off. Some patients may experience a gritty feeling in the eyes, watering or dryness for a day or two after LASEK. If this happens, do not touch your eye. Instead use your lubricating eye drops to minimise the discomfort. Please avoid working, flying, or reading and watching TV intensively for at least 1 week after your treatment. These activities may dry your eyes out. You will need to wear a protective bandage lens for up to 4 days to protect the eye surface from being disrupted by your eyelids when you blink. You will also need to use topical steroid drops for several weeks and moisturising drops for up to 6 months after LASEK. You may experience hazy, cloudy vision for a while, but this will disappear within 9 months. LENS REPLACEMENT SURGERY If you are extremely long-sighted, this surgery, in which your lens is replaced with a monofocal, multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens (IOL), may be recommended by your clinical team. You will probably experience a significant improvement in your vision 24 to 48 hours after the painless, 15-minute procedure. If you ve had cataracts removed, you may be given a protective shield to place over your eye after the procedure. You must use this, at night or during naps, for several days. To be safe, do not use eye make-up and skincare creams for at least 1 week. Please keep your eyelashes meticulously clean (without rubbing your eyes) for this period of time. Wear sunglasses on bright days for a year after the procedure. This is for your own comfort and to protect the eye. Do not swim for at least 10 days and try to avoid getting any water, soap or shampoo anywhere near your eyes for a week. You will need to see your Surgeon, to check on your progress, between 24 and 48 hours after surgery, and a few more times in the months that follow until you are fully healed

12 Post-Surgery Post-Surgery What you should expect long-term Follow up appointments At Optegra, we understand that knowing what to expect in the months and years after vision correction is vital for peace of mind. While it s true that long-term outcomes can vary a little from patient to patient, we believe the key to your complete satisfaction is being as well informed as possible from the very beginning. To reduce the risk of any complications, it is crucial that you do your research properly and choose a clinic that has the best reputation and success rate. The results we achieve at Optegra are exemplary. Indeed, 99% of our vision correction patients achieve the 20/20 vision they desire 1. We are so confident of our ability to deliver outstanding outcomes that we have a simple offer for all new patients: achieve 20/20 vision or your money back. Undergoing vision correction truly is a life-changing experience - one that enhances virtually all areas of daily living. Not only will you enjoy significantly improved vision, you'll also benefit from the freedom that comes with no longer being so dependent on your glasses or contact lenses. And our patients say that this new found freedom gives them a new lease of life. During the first few months after surgery, your vision may fluctuate in quality even on a daily basis. Don t worry, this is completely normal. Every patient will experience some level of night glare for up to 3 months after surgery. For most, this will be entirely manageable. In some cases, if this problem persists, there are measures that can be used to improve your vision. For example, you could have further surgery if the shape of your cornea hasn t changed enough. Alternatively, wearing glasses at night might help minimise the glare. If your pupils dilate to a size larger than that covered by the laser treatment, eye drops might help your symptoms. If your vision has still not settled after 6 months, you may require some laser enhancement surgery to correct or fine tune your eyesight as needed. Blurred vision can usually be corrected, but unfortunately, symptoms such as glare or the appearance of light halos and starbursts may become permanent. These symptoms, however, should fade significantly as you adapt to the surgery. If further correction or enhancement is needed, you will have to wait until your eye measurements have been consistent on two consecutive visits, with at least three months break between measurements. Your vision can regress after a while, but it is highly unlikely that it will deteriorate to the level it was at before surgery. Again, some refinement of your cornea s shape may fix this problem if it arises. Not everyone will become 100% glasses free after surgery. You may still need to use them for certain tasks and, in some cases, all of the time but with a weaker lens. Only you can decide if the risks are acceptable after discussing your particular situation with your specialist. If you experience severe pain, or a loss or blurring of vision, contact your doctor immediately. If you have any concerns at all, ask for advice. What happens after the surgery and how many times will you need to go back to the hospital or clinic? We know that having a stress-free experience before, during and after surgery is important to our patients. To assist this, we ensure that the specialists who worked on your eyes remain available to check on your progress and answer any questions you have throughout your vision correction journey. At Optegra, you ll see the same team all the way through your treatment until your very last check-up. A day later Between 24 and 48 hours after your surgery, you ll see your Surgeon again so that they can check their work. Within the following month* If you have Laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK or SMILE) you ll return to see your Surgeon 1 or 2 weeks after your procedure. At this time, they will check your progress, assess your results and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Your next follow-up appointment will take place around 1 month after surgery. However, if you have lens replacement, your Surgeon will see you for a follow-up appointment 1 week after your second eye surgery and again 1-3 weeks later. Months 1 to 6 Some Laser eye surgery patients (usually LASEK) will need to return for a final follow-up 3 months after your surgery. *Please note that this follow-up schedule is for guidance only and may differ from patient to patient. We aim to achieve the best outcome possible for all our patients and this may require additional follow-up appointments in some cases. Your Surgeon and Patient Liaison will always advise you of when you are expected to return for a follow-up, but please ask them to clarify if you are unsure

13 Post-Surgery Post-Surgery FAQs Pre-surgery Surgery Post-surgery What prescriptions are suitable for each treatment option? Can I have a friend or family member with me when I have the procedure? Why is it so important that I don t touch my eye after surgery? Treatment Option LASIK LASEK SMILE Hyperopia and Myopia Prescription Range -10 to +4D -6 to +4D -3 to-10d Refractive Lens Replacement Wide range possible Implantable Contact Lens Wide range possible PRESBYOND -8 to +2D Your comfort is a priority to us at Optegra and we are happy for you to have one person with you during your treatment. But do remember that we have very supportive nursing staff present throughout the procedure and they are always happy to hold your hand and provide reassurance if you feel nervous. What are the risks involved percentage-wise? The main concern is that you might damage the corneal flap. If this happens, it could slow down the healing process and affect your final result. Astigmatism Prescription Range Up to 6D Up to 6D Up to 6D Wide range possible Wide range possible Up to 6D Under 4% of laser eye surgery procedures result in some sort of complication. However, most of these complications are minor and can be corrected. 2 The prescription ranges quoted reflect typical suitability ranges, and can vary between patients. A full consultation with a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Optegra will be required to determine your full eligibility for any procedure. What happens if I am not suitable? At Optegra your safety comes first. If you are not considered suitable for a particular procedure, your consultant will endeavour to identify and recommend the safest alternative that provides the outcome you desire. If laser is not for you, then implantable contact lenses or refractive lens replacement are effective alternatives. How do wavefront-guided treatments work? All Optegra patients receive leading-edge wavefront-guided treatment, where appropriate. Wavefront-guided treatment involves the use of advanced technology to measure how light passes through your eye. This information is then used to program a state-of-the-art laser device to correct for small imperfections on your cornea. The finished result is a highly personalised treatment that minimises distortion and night-time vision problems. Is SMILE for me? SMILE is most suitable for short-sighted people, especially if you have been told laser eye surgery was not suitable because you have thin corneas, dry eyes, or a contact lens intolerance. What is the best intraocular lens (IOL) for me? This will depend on your lifestyle needs and recommendations of your consultant. With modern technology and new intraocular lenses available on the market, Optegra is able to offer you leading-edge multifocal and accommodating IOLs that allow you to see clearly at different distances. What is the difference between excimer and femtosecond laser? An excimer laser emits a cool beam of high-energy pulses of ultraviolet light whereas a femtosecond laser emits the high-energy pulses at much faster speeds to allow for more accurate corneal ablations. At Optegra, minimising this small risk of complications is a priority to us. We achieve this by carrying out a free comprehensive consultation with a consultant ophthalmic surgeon, along with accurate assessments at the very start of your vision correction journey. We also use state-of-the-art equipment for all procedures to ensure the delivery of precise results. 24 References: 1 Optegra Laser Results Report January

14 Post-Surgery Post-Surgery WHY CHOOSE OPTEGRA? Helping people live fuller lives Trustpilot reviews We understand the importance of eyesight and appreciate that, if maximised, it can help you lead a much fuller life. By putting you and your needs first, we are able to offer a unique experience that allows a bespoke and high-quality service. Miss Diane Burrow Excellent service from start to finish! Nicola Haig-Brown Optegra providing fast expert treatment in one location! Hospital based clinics with over 150 surgeons For that reason, we have created dedicated and specialist eye hospitals that allow our patients to be seen by highly recognised and trusted Optegra teams and Surgeons offering the full spectrum of eye-care consultations, treatments and solutions, all under one roof. We pride ourselves on the unsurpassed expertise of our NHS-trained Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and their specialist eye care clinical teams. Their expertise spans all fields of eye care, ensuring your vision needs can be met, no matter the problem. Free consultation with your surgeon At Optegra, we strive to achieve the best treatment outcomes possible for our patients. We do so by using the state-of-the-art technology at each and every hospital, and at all stages of our patients vision correction journeys from wavefront laser technology during examinations to innovative intraocular lenses (IOLs) during cataract removal or lens replacement. Covering every eye condition We constantly raise the bar and continue to invest in leadingedge vision enhancement solutions, so we can offer our patients advanced treatment options. Not only do we focus on offering the latest solutions, our Surgeons also place huge importance on offering the most suitable treatment for each and every patient. Whether cataract removal, laser eye surgery or lens replacement, all procedures are performed to the highest clinical standards. Eye sciences research Optegra is dedicated to leading the way in eye science research and championing the latest innovations in eye care. We are passionate about finding new options for enhancing sight and using them to stay ahead of our patient s needs. This is something we pursue through our dedicated, not-for-profit research division, Optegra Eye Sciences. Furthermore, our partnership with leading UK charity Fight for Sight also means we can continue to give back to vital areas of research in the field. We continually push to achieve exceptional outcomes be that clinically or in research so we can offer you only the highest quality treatments with the best experts from start to finish. Medical Advisory Committees at each of our eye hospitals ensure we maintain our clinical advantage as well as the exemplary standards with our Surgeons. UK's no 1 most trusted eye healthcare specialist Don t just take our word for it, our growing reviews from patients clearly reflect we are the UK s most trusted eye hospital group for these very reasons. Not only do our patients trust and advocate us, our growing network of optometrists and doctors consistently recommend Optegra without hesitation to their patients for the best treatment options. An excellent team with everything explained, great follow up and even a lovely lady to hold your hand in surgery I apologised for crushing her hand afterwards! I d say the op was uncomfortable at times but not painful. It was all over so quickly and well worth it to be glasses / lenses free after 45 years. Miss Eileen Watkins A very happy customer from Hertfordshire I received excellent care and all the team were very meticulous and friendly. I cannot believe the results Optegra corrected so many problems with my eyesight, the improvement has been amazing and exceeded all my expectations. We refer patients to Optegra Eye Hospital in Surrey because we have built good relationships with the ophthalmologists who work there, we know them and their areas of expertise and we can be sure that our patients will be treated quickly and appropriately by a consultant who is an expert in their field. Optegra has the diagnostic and surgical technology to provide fast expert treatment in one location, they also provide continuity of care from the same team of ophthalmologists, nurses and support staff, this is important for our patients. Optegra: Quality, Safety, Trust and Reassurance centred around you, with the best staff, technology and treatments under one roof. We help you gain the exceptional visual outcomes you need to lead a fuller life. Source: Trustpilot 17 th February

15 Request your free consultation at Optegra: or go to You can find an Optegra clinics and dedicated hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, London, North London, Manchester, Surrey, Yorkshire, Altrincham, Leeds, Macclesfield, Maidenhead and Wilmslow. Helping people live fuller lives. Credits The information in this guide is provided by Optegra ( Design and development by medeuronet ( Artwork by Doner ( 28