Ophthalmologists Gary Lewin and Chris Dixon from Veterinary Vision, the ophthalmology referral clinic with centres in Penrith, Sunderland and Charnock, is reporting success with a novel cataract technique they've developed.

The new technique enables the surgeon to suspend a modified acrylic lens from a damaged capsule, which has historically not been possible.

Gary and Chris have published a paper analysing the results of the surgery in the Journal of Small Animal Practice: "Post-operative outcomes in canine eyes receiving a rhexis-fixated prosthetic intra-ocular lens: 30 cases (2014-2020)1"

Surgery was carried out in a total of 30 eyes using a modified acrylic IOL, where the lens capsule could not accommodate a conventional prosthetic endo-capsular IOL. 

Over a follow-up period from three to 76 months, 26 of the 30 eyes remained visual.

Chris said: “It’s a novel technique for implanting a prosthetic lens into the eyes of patients who otherwise may have not been suitable for surgery, either saving or restoring their sight.

“Gary developed a method of modifying the lens to fit in the eye in dogs where the lens capsule is damaged.

For more information, visit www.veterinaryvision.co.uk.

Reference

  1. Lewin, G.A. and Dixon, C.J. (2022), Post-operative outcomes in canine eyes receiving a rhexis-fixated prosthetic intra-ocular lens: 30 cases (2014-2020). J Small Anim Pract, 63: 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13443 

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