12 March 2024 , 15:44
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Jane Fallon has opened up about surgery that has potentially saved her eyesight from a serious disease.
The author, who is the long-term partner of comedian Ricky Gervais, experienced pains in her eyes and migraines and went for an eye test in 2016, where she was told she was showing symptoms of glaucoma. Following further consultation with Vik Sharma at London OC, it was suggested to Jane that she have an intraocular lens – or IOL – implanted in each eye.
During the ten-minute procedure, an ultrasound probe breaks up the natural lens which is then removed and through the same tiny incision in the front of the eye. Former TV producer Jane had a multifocal IOL fitted in her right eye and an ‘accommodative’ IOL in her left. This has given her spectacle-free vision for near and far, for life.
"After my eye test I was told I was showing symptoms of glaucoma. I’d assumed I was just experiencing migraines, but thankfully I still went for a test and it was then that I discovered that the pains in my eyes and the feeling of pressure that I had been experiencing were something more serious," Jane recalls.
Keen to raise awareness of the condition during World Glaucoma Week, she adds: "It is so important that the public is aware of the symptoms of glaucoma so they know when they should seek help. I want to urge everyone to have regular eye tests as opticians will check for any early signs of this awful condition."
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Vik Sharma, a specialist eye consultant and founder of London OC, is a leading expert in eye care both in the UK and worldwide. He has commissioned a National Eye Health Survey* to stress the importance of regular check-ups and increase awareness about glaucoma, cataracts, and other diseases that can affect vision.
'I want to urge everyone to have regular eye tests,' Jane Fallon says (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)The survey also aims to inform the public about new and innovative solutions for eye care. The survey revealed that a shocking 84% of people in the UK don't know the early symptoms of acute glaucoma. These include headaches, nausea, seeing multi-coloured halos, and losing peripheral vision.
A common type of lens replacement surgery usually used to correct cataracts could save thousands of Britons with this condition by making more space in the eye and opening the angle. This treatment can be used for a type of glaucoma called primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), or acute glaucoma. This can lead to a sudden attack that destroys vision in as little as 24 hours.
Consultant Vik Sharma said: "We want to make sure everyone knows about the early signs of glaucoma. The sooner we find it, the better. Lots of people don't go to their optician unless they notice something different about their sight.Some folks might have health problems or family traits that make them more likely to get glaucoma. But this is a disease that can affect anyone. So, it's really important to get your eyes checked at least once a year."
To find out more visit the London OC website – London OC