
In February 2025 I underwent private refractive lens exchange (RLE) with Shafiq Rehman at Optegra. My cataracts were mild and not materially affecting my daily functioning. The primary goal was refractive — to reduce dependence on glasses.
After consultation, I selected toric lenses rather than multifocal lenses. I was advised they would provide strong distance and intermediate vision with a lower incidence of glare.
Twelve months post-operatively, my visual quality and ocular comfort are significantly worse than before surgery.
Ongoing issues include:
• Severe chronic dry eye
• Persistent glare affecting night driving
• Reduced visual clarity and clouding
• Symptomatic floaters interfering with central vision
• Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)
Although I can achieve acceptable results on standard visual acuity testing and the lenses are reportedly well positioned, my functional visual experience is substantially impaired.
I acknowledge that risks are documented in the patient information material. However, in my personal experience, the potential severity and long-term quality-of-life impact of dry eye and vitreous symptoms — particularly in high myopia — were not emphasised in a way that reflected the consequences I now face.
I have been offered YAG capsulotomy for PCO, but understand that this can increase vitreous debris in some patients, so I am currently reluctant to proceed. Any treatment of vitreous symptoms may fall outside Optegra’s aftercare arrangements and could instead require treatment elsewhere, potentially within the NHS.
This highlights a key consideration in relation to care pathways. Optegra provides both NHS and private cataract surgery. In my case, the procedure was private and subject to a defined aftercare period of 12 months. Patients should understand what arrangements would apply if significant longer-term complications arise beyond that period, including whether ongoing treatment would fall within the private provider’s remit or elsewhere.
This outcome has had a profound impact on my daily life, including driving, screen use and sport. Had I fully appreciated the potential long-term consequences in practical terms, I would not have chosen elective RLE at that stage.
While many patients may have excellent outcomes, my experience has been deeply negative.
Seen for:
Cataract Surgery