Refractive lens replacement surgery

For many people, lens replacement (sometimes known as refractive lens exchange) is the most practical option to improve their vision. It’s most effective for patients who are aged 45 or over.

Lens replacement can be an excellent choice for people who aren’t suitable for laser eye surgery. It lets them live their life free of the restrictions that glasses and contact lenses can bring.

During the procedure, your natural lens is removed and replaced with a premium synthetic one. This corrects problems with your vision, including cataracts. As there are many types of synthetic lenses available, your surgeon will recommend one that’s most suitable for you.

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Before your treatment

  1. Invite a friend or family member

    Patients should not drive after surgery, so it's recommended that you arrange suitable transportation and that someone accompanies you to both your treatment and to your follow-up appointment.

  2. Arrive for surgery

    Your surgeon will greet you before your surgery takes place and go through each step of your procedure with you. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about your treatment.

  3. Anaesthetic applied

    Your optometrist will apply drops to your eye and give you an anaesthetic. This ensures that you won't feel anything during surgery. You'll also be offered a light sedation by your anesthetist to relax you during your procedure.

During the treatment

  1. Preparing you for treatment

    Your surgeon will make a small incision into the surface of your eye and gently insert a tiny probe to enable the safe removal of your lens.

  2. Natural lens removed

    Once your natural lens has been removed, your new synthetic lens can be put in place.

  3. Artificial lens inserted

    Once your synthetic lens is inserted, it simply unfolds and adopts a natural position in your eye.

After the treatment

  1. Discomfort and sensitivity

    Once your anaesthetic has worn off, you may experience some temporary discomfort. Your surgeon will be able to offer advice on how best to manage this.

  2. Recovery time

    You should now return home and relax. You'll return to the clinic the next day if you are having surgery on your other eye. On your journey to recovery, you may notice blurred vision and glare, but this will improve over time.

  3. Long term eye care

    You will have next day, one month and three month appointments following surgery. We also recommend that you attend annual or bi-annual eye examinations, to ensure that your eyes remain healthy.

Have questions?

Visit our FAQs area for answers to all your questions on cataract surgery.

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