Recall of Intraocular Lenses

Patients have experienced deterioration in vision relating to a batch of lens implants.

Recent press has highlighted a batch of lenses used during cataract surgery, to be causing a decrease in vision. Typically the change is noticed at 36 months, where postoperative opacification has compromised the optical quality of the lens.

Photo taken under Infra Red light. You can see the plastic implant of the lens, sitting just behind the iris. The coloured part of the eye. The lens is clear when it is first implanted, here there is a thickening of the old cataract skin. This is the common PCO - posterior capsular opacification.

Patients affected with reduced vision should contact one of our optometrist for further advice. The plastic lenses can become opaque after cataract surgery, in a process called PCO - posterior capsule opacification. It is a fairly common complication of cataract surgery and its treatment is simple and painless. The skin of the cataract which is left after surgery can sometimes thicken and degrade vision. A laser procedure is done in the outpatient clinic, which removes some of the thickened cloudy lens capsule. Treatment is quick and effective, returning vision to what is was like just after surgery. 

The Oculentis implant sits behind the iris, in place of the cloudy natural lens.

The clouded implant lens, currently under recall.

Should the plastic lens by the problem a referral will be made. An ophthalmologist will advise on the best course of action and whether lens exchange would be an option. In some patients, the eye is too fragile and further surgery would not improve vision.

800 people are thought to be affected. Oculentis, the lens manufacturer claims there may be a problem with interaction the lens surface. There is evidence some people may be predisposed to the problem or even that certain medications are playing a factor. 

OCT scan of the retina. The dip is a natural occurrence, where central vision is located. Imaged beneath are small, black void like spaces. These are filled with fluid and is called, macula oedema. 

An OCT scan of the other eye, in the same patient. The natural valley or dip for central vision, without any oedema or fluid filled spaces.

It is important to rule out macula oedema as the cause of reduced vision post surgery. Patients should undergo a thorough slit lamp examination and have an OCT scan. Which immediately shows any fluid or swelling in the macula, which is the part of the retina used for central vision. Macula oedema or fluid in the retina is a possible complication of surgery and should be checked an monitored. 

If you are experiencing any degradation in vision, come and speak to one of our optometrists who will complete a comprehensive post surgery check. OCT scans are now available at all of our practices. 

A Four-tunate Passing

We were so happy to be in the right place at the right time.

At our Fourmarks practice, Mrs H had been walking past when she decided to test her eyes with the Amsler grid in the window. What she found both surprised and frightened her, but we were able to see her the same day and diagnose the cause.

This is Mrs H's account of the day.

"How fortunate it was that I walked past Matheson Optometrists' window in Four Marks!

I looked at the Amsler grid displayed in the window and discovered that the central vision of my right eye appeared black and misty and the straight lines had become wavy. I closed my right eye and peered at the grid with my left eye. No mist, no black circle, and no wavy lines. That discovery, in my right eye, made me very nervous and worried. I made an appointment immediately to see one of the optometrist.  I saw Mr Andrew Matheson, who gave my eyes a thorough examination and, with the up-to- the-minute technology available at the practice, he was able to diagnose wet-eye macular degeneration. On hearing this, I was rather frightened, but with Mr Matheson’s calm, kindly reassurance and his immediate proactive response, I was able to go to an eye consultant and receive the necessary injection of Avastin in my effected eye.

The sooner this injection is given, the better the prognosis.  Having this injection so quickly, has meant I have a much higher chance of arresting the macular degeneration and saving my eyesight.  It is vital to get to see a ophthalmologist within a couple of weeks of the symptoms starting. Under the NHS the aim is to be seen, and if required, treated within two weeks of the symptoms starting .How lucky I am to have looked into the Matheson Optometrists' window!
A big THANK YOU to Matheson Optometrist's at Four Marks."

Since the diagnosis, Mrs H has had injections at the local Hospital Eye Service and is under good care. Following treatment, Mrs H has added:

"Good news! Having had my second injection at Southampton Hospital Eye Unit, there is an excellent chance of either stopping the vision loss or of improving it. Early diagnosis is vital."

An Amsler grid which can be used at home to check your vision, for signs of macular degeneration. 

Instructions for using the Amsler grid

Test your vision with adequate lighting.
Wear your reading glasses or look through the reading portion of your bifocals (if you normally read with spectacles)
With Progressive or Varifocal lenses you may notice some form of distortion. Distortions may occur as a result of the lens design and not your eyes. If you have a cause for concern please consult an eye care professional.

1. Hold the Amsler grid at normal reading distance (about 35cm).
2. Cover one eye at a time with the palm of your hand.
3. Stare at the centre dot of the chart at all times.
4. Do not let your eye drift from the centre dot.

You can find more about Amsler grids on our website, by clicking HERE.