Name of the Procedure:

Sphere, Single Vision, Plus or Minus 7.12 to Plus or Minus 20.00 Diopters, Per Lens
Common Names: High-power single vision lenses, corrective lenses for severe refractive errors

Summary

A high-power single vision lens procedure involves creating specialized lenses designed to correct significant refractive errors in vision. These lenses have a high level of corrective power, ranging from plus or minus 7.12 to plus or minus 20.00 diopters, which helps people with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness see more clearly.

Purpose

High-power single vision lenses are designed to correct severe refractive errors, such as extreme nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). The goal of these lenses is to improve vision clarity and reduce the dependency on other visual aids, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with extreme vision impairments.

Indications

• Severe nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Patients with a prescription range between +7.12 to +20.00 diopters or -7.12 to -20.00 diopters
• Individuals who have difficulty seeing clearly even with standard corrective lenses

Preparation

• Eye Exams: A comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the exact prescription.
• Current Lens Evaluation: Assessment of any current prescription lenses to understand previous corrections and necessary adjustments.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.

Procedure Description

1. Eye Examination: The eye care professional conducts a detailed eye examination, including refraction tests, to determine the precise prescription.
2. Lens Selection: Based on the prescription, a high-power single vision lens is chosen.
3. Lens Creation: The selected lenses are custom-made by grinding optical materials to the required specifications.
4. Fitting and Adjustments: Once the lenses are ready, they are fitted into suitable frames, and minor adjustments are made for optimal vision correction.
5. Final Check: The patient tries on the lenses, and further adjustments are made if necessary.

Duration

The process to determine the prescription and order custom lenses can vary:

• Eye Exam: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Lens Creation: 1-2 weeks, depending on the optical lab

Setting

• Conducted in an optometrist's office, ophthalmology clinic, or optical shop.

Personnel

• Optometrists
• Ophthalmologists
• Optical technicians

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Slight discomfort while adjusting to new lenses, mild headaches, temporary blurred vision as the eyes adapt.
• Rare Risks: Incorrect prescription, lens incompatibility, persistent vision issues.
• Management: Follow-up consultations for adjustments and corrections.

Benefits

• Significant improvement in vision clarity.
• Reduced dependency on low-power corrective lenses or multiple visual aids.
• Enhanced quality of life with better visual acuity.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular cleaning and maintenance of lenses, protective measures to avoid scratches, and proper storage.
• Recovery Time: Immediate functional recovery, with an adjustment period of a few days to a week.
• Follow-up: Regular eye exams, usually annually, to monitor vision changes and adjust prescriptions if necessary.

Alternatives

• Contact Lenses: High prescription contact lenses can be an alternative but may have comfort or maintenance issues.
• Surgery: Refractive surgeries like LASIK or PRK offer permanent vision correction but involve higher risks and costs.
• Comparison: High-power lenses are non-invasive, cost-effective, and allow for easy updates compared to surgical options.

Patient Experience

• During: Minimal discomfort during the eye exam and lens fitting.
• After: Might experience a short adjustment period, where vision becomes accustomed to the high-power lenses. Mild discomfort, such as headaches, may occur but typically resolve quickly. Regular use will result in improved vision and overall comfort.