Not all cataract lenses are created equal
And though Newmedica insist NHS patients should receive only the best ones, not everyone does.
Why does the lens matter so much?
There are several types of replacement lenses on the market and whilst they all do the job, some of them do it better than others. In short, the higher the quality of the lens, the lower the chances of posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
The PCO problem
PCO is a frustratingly common complication after cataract surgery. Caused by an accumulation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the surfaces of the replacement lenses and the posterior lens capsule, it leads to cloudy vision and reduced visual acuity. The key factors that reduce the likelihood of PCO include overall eye health, quality of surgery carried out and the type of lens used.
Inevitably the patient will then have to undergo another procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy to correct it.
What can be done about it?
We can’t speak for everyone but at Newmedica we choose to mitigate the risk of PCO through a combination of high-quality clinical standards and high-quality lenses.
What lenses do Newmedica use?
Only the best. As standard. For everyone, including your NHS patients. Specifically, it’s a hydrophobic lens with a proprietary edge design that slow the growth of LECs. In fact, our monofocal lens for NHS patients has the lowest PCO rate of any lens on the market at 3 and 5 years.*
A study by the Royal College of Ophthalmology (RCO) in 2021 showed that at three years, the overall PCO YAG treatment rate for Monofocal Single Piece IOLs was 7.4%, while the monofocal lens used by Newmedica has a rate of just 2.8%.
*Source : The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, National Ophthalmology Database “Feasibility Study of Post-Cataract Posterior Capsule Opacification” May 2021
Why the lens matters?
To put this into context, by introducing this lens back in 2017, Newmedica has reduced the volume of YAG treatments by over 46,000, saving the NHS over £4.5m. This number is predicted to rise to over 168,000 YAG treatments and over £16m by 2029, based on the volume of patients treated to date with this lens.
By decreasing the need for additional treatment, the NHS saves money, allowing them to reallocate capacity and budget to support other pressures.
Most importantly, we’re adamant that your NHS patients deserve exceptional care and the best clinical outcomes. By using the highest quality lens, fewer of your patients will have to go through the worry of an avoidable treatment.
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Getting referred to Newmedica
If you think you have an eye condition, you should see your optician or GP for a detailed assessment. They’ll go through all the options available and tell you where you can have your treatment.
The referral process will differ slightly depending on whether you want to be an NHS or private patient. You’ll find all the information you need on our NHS and private patient pages.
Are you a health care professional?
Find out how to refer a patient.
Private patients
Find details about our private
options and how to get started.
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Self-referring? Call 0800 4096 792