Wayne Meikle

I had elective refractive lens replacement surgery with Oculentis MPlus lense on both eyes.

I’m very happy with the result. I went from being very long-sighted and wearing glasses always. I would reach for them on waking to taking them off when sleeping – now not needing them.

Prof Gartry and his team are professional and I am sincerely grateful that I could use his services.

For anyone reading this and wondering if it’s a good idea – the procedure itself is not without risk, but my experience was a very positive one. For a little more feedback on my experience of this – read on:

Pre procedure: Briefing on the procedure, and associated risks and expectations of results was excellent. I did look at alternative providers of refractive lens replacement procedures, but I concluded that due to the potentially life changing impacts of it going wrong, it wasn’t the sort of think you save a few £ on.

I do not think that Google is your friend for this. Stay with the specialists.

I did speak to a friend who had a similar procedure a few years earlier with Prof Gartry. He gave a positive endorsement, and was very happy with the reputation, experience, and professionalism so this was the best choice.

Procedure: I had my left eye done first, and followed by the right eye 3 days later. The details of the procedures are well documented elsewhere, so I am just sharing my experience of it. The initial step of breaking up the old lens via the laser process was a strange sensation – quick and efficient. Result at this step was blurred vision much like having eyes open under water. Not painful, but an unusual visual effect.
Next step was in theatre for the removal of the old lens and implant of the new. A longer procedure with a drip inserted just so the anaesthetist could calm me down if I got anxious. I was a little the first time, but the second was a known process so much more relaxed.
Post theatre I spent about 20-30 minutes in the recovery area. At this point vision was already notably improved. And interesting period in the 3 days between my left eye and right eye lens replacement – having one original and one improved eye – most notable was the much clearer colours on the new eye. Red were much more red. This is only an observation that I could make during the 3 days between procedures as I could compare, but it was odd to see the contrast. Not unpleasant, just odd.

Post procedure: Post theatre I spent about 20-30 minutes in the recovery area just to make sure all was OK. And then packed up and headed home with a transparent eye cover.
It was a hassle for the first few days sleeping with an eye patch on and being diligent with the eye drops prescribed. And I was aware of the need to protect my eyes form any physical shocks or contact – but all OK.

At plus 6 weeks: At this point short and medium term distance vision was good and vastly improved on original vision. Check up shows 20/20.

Some discomfort in strong light and sunshine, but sunglasses fix that. And I found it necessary to wear sunglasses when driving due to glare initially, but less so after a month.
Distance vision – as in looking at the moon, planes overhead, distant trees – not perfect with distant objects appearing slightly blurred. And I find the same blurring in low light/dusk. My perception is that this is still improving, but it is one area of slight concern. I have obtained a prescription for this slight short-sightedness that I will fill with photochromic lenses for driving, but for now just for peace of mind in case I need.

So overall for me, a great result and straight forward process.