Our medical negligence solicitors are representing patients who received EyeCee One lenses during eye surgery. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) raised safety concerns about these lenses, used in cataract surgeries, leading to a recall of EyeCee One and EyeCee One Crystal preloaded lenses manufactured between September 2021 and November 2022.

This issue has had a serious impact on many individuals, including some of our clients. One of our clients was recently featured on BBC News, sharing how these lenses have affected their life. You can read the full BBC article about EyeCee lenses here.

The lens manufacturers conducted their own investigation and discovered a problem with the coating used in the injector that administers the lens. This coating was found to block the natural drainage pathways in the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). If untreated, this raised pressure can cause permanent eye damage and potentially result in vision loss. Several patients who received EyeCee One lenses have reached out to Patient Claim Line for support and advice on their next steps. If you have been affected, contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.

What Actions Have Been Taken Regarding EyeCee One Lens Safety Concerns?

A field safety notice was issued, warning that the use of affected lens batches could lead to sustained elevated eye pressure. Patients implanted with these lenses are advised to be monitored closely, and those showing signs of raised IOP should be referred for urgent treatment.

How Can Defective EyeCee One Lenses Affect Patients?

The MHRA stated that vision loss would only occur if raised IOP went untreated. The complications were attributed to the coating used in the injector, and the effects could be severe if not addressed.

In January 2023, the MHRA issued a patient safety alert, giving NHS Trusts two weeks to contact affected patients for further tests and establish a rapid access pathway for those experiencing higher eye pressure. Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust, one of the NHS Trusts using the product, is actively inviting around 1,000 affected patients for check-ups. The Field Safety Notice also requires all affected lenses to be returned to the manufacturer.

NHS England reported that a minority of NHS Trusts had suspended the use of EyeCee One lenses in cataract surgeries. Any patients who underwent surgery with these lenses in recent months were to be contacted by their clinician for assessment. However, only a fraction are expected to require further treatment. It remains uncertain whether the suspension will continue for unaffected batches.

Can I Make a Legal Claim if I’ve Been Impacted by Defective EyeCee One Lenses?

If you’ve been affected by defective EyeCee One lenses, it’s important to speak to a medical negligence expert about pursuing a claim. Our team at Patient Claim Line has extensive experience in handling claims related to defective medical equipment. We are already supporting patients affected by these lenses and have successfully settled similar group action cases.

We offer a No Win, No Fee agreement, meaning there’s no financial risk to you if your claim is unsuccessful. Contact our medical negligence team for guidance on your claim, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way, with no upfront costs.

Christian Beadell, Head of Group Actions at Patient Claim Line, commented: “We are urgently investigating the circumstances surrounding this recall on behalf of our clients, who have been recalled for urgent review. Understandably, they are anxious about the reports of increased eye pressure and the potential impact on their vision. It’s deeply concerning that this product could cause such serious consequences. We appreciate the swift action taken by the manufacturers to recall the affected batches.”

What Did NHS England Say?

NHS England previously noted that a minority of NHS Trusts had suspended the use of EyeCee One lenses in cataract surgeries. Any patients who received these lenses in recent months would be contacted by their clinician for further assessment, although only a small number are expected to need additional treatment. Whether the suspension will continue for unaffected batches remains to be seen.