In eye surgery—especially in complex cases—speed is rarely your friend.
The Situation!
Recently, we met a 39-year-old patient, diagnosed with high hypermetropia (~+7 diopters) in the right eye, along with a small amount of astigmatism. Her eye anatomy is on the smaller side, which makes any intraocular surgery technically more challenging and increases the risk of serious complications such as uveal effusion syndrome.
Her retina and optic nerve were healthy, and intraocular pressure was normal. Naturally, the conversation shifted toward the goal: achieving spectacle independence.
The Options Discussed
We explored several possibilities:
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) – A removable lens placed inside the eye without removing the natural lens.
Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) – Offers near, intermediate, and distance vision without glasses.
Monofocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) – Focuses at one distance; still may require glasses for other ranges.
Given her age, the most balanced choice in many such cases is often EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOLs, which provide a good range of vision while reducing glare and halos compared to multifocals. Unfortunately, EDOF lenses are typically available in powers up to +30D, and her measurements require +31D in one eye—just outside the normal range.
That leaves trifocal toric lenses as a next-best alternative, but these are costly, and the patient was hoping for a quick, lower-cost option.
The Pressure of the Clock
The complication? She wanted to have surgery and fly overseas within a week.
While travel 4–5 days after routine eye surgery is sometimes possible, small-eye surgeries demand more caution. The anatomy increases the risk of fluid build-up, inflammation, or pressure spikes—issues that may not appear until days after surgery.
If such a complication arises while abroad, the treating surgeon isn’t there to respond, and local doctors may not be familiar with the nuances of the original surgery or lens choice. That’s a recipe for stress and potentially poorer outcomes.
The Brand and Cost Question
Naturally, cost and brand came into play.
We discussed:
Alcon (USA) – High reputation but not available in her required power.
Brazilian multifocal lenses – Good quality, widely used internationally, and available in her exact power at a lower cost (500,000 PKR for both eyes).
Price differences often reflect manufacturing country, import costs, and brand prestige—not necessarily a stark difference in performance.
But the core issue isn’t just price—it’s timing and risk.
Our Advice: No Hurry
For this patient—and for anyone in a similar situation—the safest approach is:
Don’t rush high-risk eye surgery to fit a travel schedule.
Choose a lens type based on your anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle—not just on availability or cost.
Plan for recovery with your surgeon nearby for follow-up, especially in complex cases.
Expect possible complications in small-eye surgeries and prepare for their management.
Good vision is an investment for decades. It’s worth waiting a few more weeks to get it right—rather than risking a lifetime of regret for the sake of saving a few days.
Final thought:
When it comes to your eyes, a safe, well-planned surgery tomorrow is always better than a risky, hurried one today.#laser eye cost in faisalabad
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