LaserVision

Patient Stories: A World First…

A Life Without Glasses: The First Days After Laser Eye Surgery

Read the first in our patient story series where we look back on a case in which our expert Consultant Surgeon Mike Tappin developed a world-first pioneering surgical technique, now used by surgeons worldwide.

Background

Mr Ron Hoad came to our specialist Consultant Surgeon Mr Mike Tappin at our Guildford clinic after having a routine cataract operation. Unfortunately he had a condition affecting his cornea called fuchs endothelial dystrophy. This meant he was experiencing complications following surgery which led to the cornea becoming cloudy giving further vision problems, especially with glare at night.

What is fuch’s endothelial dystrophy?

Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy (FED) is a slowly progressive disease. There is a slow loss of endothelial cells from the inner layer of the cornea. If the number of cells drops below a critical density the cornea will begin to become cloudy and blur the vision. Although early signs of the dystrophy can be seen in people of their 30s and 40s, the disease rarely affects the vision until the person reaches their 60s or later. Happily, many patients may have microscopic signs of FED without ever having any significant visual symptoms.

The solution

After a thorough consultation and discussions with Mr Hoad, it was decided to perform a corneal transplant, which involved a revolutionary technique pioneered by Mike Tappin. Mr Hoad underwent the first true endothelial cell transplant, which was the first of its kind in the world at the time. This technique has now paved the way for the procedure now commonly called, DMEK.

The result

Postoperatively, Mr Road had very successful visual recovery and with new glasses he achieved 20/20 vision. However after some time, the other eye began too become misty. It was decided to undergo combined cataract and corneal surgery at the same time, repeating the technique previously used on his other eye . Within 3 months, Mr Road’s vision was excellent.

Long lasting results

The first part of his surgery was performed in February 2005 and the second part in Jan 2006. 12 years on, Mr Road is still experiencing excellent vision and is happy driving and working after the original surgery – a testament to the longevity of results from the pioneering surgery.

If you would like to talk to one of our expert Consultants about your vision, please get in touch to book a consultation with us at your nearest clinic online here or phone us on 0800 024 8888.

fred chow
fred chow
2023-11-24
Mr Tappin, top consultant and trusted surgeon for your cataract!
Jason Green
Jason Green
2023-09-06
Professional competent advice and absolutely no pressure to make a decision. I could not have predicted how much this procedure has changed my life in such a positive way. Thank you team.
Lelita Baldock
Lelita Baldock
2023-07-25
Dr Tappin and the team at LaserVision were amazing. I underwent Lasik corrective surgery and the process could not have been smoother. I was guided through the process with care and professionalism throughout. My results have been outstanding. I could not have asked for more from the team at LaserVision and I am truly grateful for my new vision.
Robert & Gia Anderson
Robert & Gia Anderson
2023-06-08
Utterly professional and caring from start to finish. I was quite nervous about having laser but am so pleased with the results. There has always been someone to advise and support every step of the way and patient care and well being really is the priority here. Thank you for looking after me and my eyes so well.
NewestToad
NewestToad
2023-04-24
Really excellent level of care from Mr. Rakesh - great communication, excellent standard of care, no complaints whatsoever, top notch service!
Christina Cook
Christina Cook
2023-04-17
Mr Tappin and his team are very professional and efficient. The whole experience from beginning to end was done with ease. I highly recommend.
Amanda Thorsen
Amanda Thorsen
2023-03-10
Dr Jayaswal has been amazing and changed my life. He made me feel so comfortable and relaxed in his care at the first meet, to remembering me with a personalised greeting, calmly explaining the procedure and reassuring me all the way through the surgery. I couldn’t recommend him enough for Lasik eye surgery - I now have perfect vision, a real dream come true! Thank you so much!
Nikki Blake
Nikki Blake
2023-02-02
Fantastic process from beginning to end - professional yet incredibly personable. The professional team, especially Mr Tappin, made me feel at ease throughout and the surgery was a great success.
April Dansie
April Dansie
2022-12-22
I had lens replacement surgery. After being both short sighted and long sighted for decades I can now see near and far without glasses or contact lens. It really is amazing. The care was great and so far the recovery has been easy.
George Judge
George Judge
2022-11-03
Amazing service from start to finish, I had LASIK surgery in August this year after years of consideration I finally took the plunge and went for the surgery with Mr Tappin. Mr Mike Tappin and his team were brilliant from the consultation right through to the surgery and aftercare. Mr Tappin and his team were very reassuring throughout the surgery and put me at ease every step of the way. If you are thinking about having laser eye treatment or at the start of your journey with it, I would highly recommend seeing Mr Tappin and his team!
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