Lens Replacement Surgery
Lens replacement surgery (RLE) enhances vision, reducing reliance on glasses or contacts.
Lens Replacement Surgery
Lens replacement surgery (also known as Refractive Lens Exchange RLE) is a treatment option for patients over the age of 45 years who want to improve their functional vision and eliminate or reduce their dependence on glasses. Whether they have used spectacles all their lives or just for reading as they age.
The process is the same as a cataract procedure, which is the most common surgical procedure, worldwide. It involves replacing the eyes natural lens with a carefully calculated alternative which corrects vision, up to 3 separate focal points for improved near, intermediate and distance vision
What is lens replacement surgery?
To focus light clearly on the retina for good vision, your eye uses two inbuilt lenses to bend light to the correct focal point. These are the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, which, if not the correct, regular shape may mean you need glasses or contact lenses from an early age.
The second is the natural, crystalline lens inside the eye, which is flexible and changes shape to focus our near vision. From our 40’s onwards the flexibility deteriorates to such a point, that we eventually need reading glasses or varifocals to see within arms length.
During lens replacement the natural lens is replaced with a carefully precalculated, acrylic lens that will work with your cornea to focus light clearly for distance vision but can also offer revitalised reading and intermediate vision, if desired. Mr Darcy will assess your clinical suitability and visual needs to suggest the most appropriate intra-ocular lens to meet your expectations.
How is lens replacement surgery performed?
Lens replacement surgery is identical to Cataract surgery and one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. The procedure involves removing the contents of your natural lens and then inserting a new, usually acrylic lens into the casing that is deliberately left behind.
This new lens has been carefully selected to balance the power of your eye.
Who is suitable for lens replacement surgery?
Greater independence
If you are fed up with contact lenses or glasses then lens replacement surgery may be a great option, providing the freedom of having your vision 24h per day. If your lifestyle makes wearing contact lenses or glasses challenging, then lens replacement may be a great permanent solution.
Permanent solution
The intraocular lenses used in lens replacement surgery are typically made of plastic acrylic and therefore last a lifetime. The natural lens is responsible for the gradual change in glasses prescription with age. This is replaced during the surgery meaning your prescription should remain stable.
Age
Typically lens replacement surgery becomes an option over the age of 50. There are particular reasons why this may be considered younger or delayed until an older age. Safety is our primary concern; we will always give you an honest opinion and advice on the best way forward, even if it is to do nothing. The great news is we have lots of methods to achieve the same goal.
Benefits all prescriptions
Lens replacement surgery can treat a full range of glasses prescriptions, often even the most complex. If you are very shortsighted, longsighted or have high astigmatism this can be corrected. Contact us for more details.
Preventative
Lens replacement surgery prevents you from developing a cataract in later life.
Presbyopia
Lens replacement surgery can provide a full range of focus helping you to regain your reading vision without contact lenses or glasses.
Are there different types of intraocular lenses?
Lens replacement surgery (RLE) can be a great opportunity to remove or reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. After removing your natural lens, a new, typically plastic, intraocular lens is inserted in its place to refocus your eye. Intraocular lenses can be grouped into three categories.
Premium Intraocular Lenses
Our premium lens replacement procedure aims to achieve good vision at all distances – near, intermediate and distance, to alleviate the need for spectacles. These lenses remove the need for contact lenses or glasses for everyday living. They use advanced technology to achieve this, providing a full range of focus. These lenses are not suitable for all, so it is vital to have a comprehensive assessment to ensure they are right for you. Our assessments typically take a minimum of 90 minutes. During that time, we get to know you and perform a full range of advanced investigations, looking at the health of your eyes and their optical suitability. We will advise you of your suitability at the end of this process.
Numerous options are available, including trifocal and the latest “spiral” lens technology. All offer a toric correction and are included if required.
Enhanced Intraocular Lenses
This range of lenses includes implants that correct distance and intermediate vision to reduce day-to-day glasses dependency. There are numerous lenses to choose from, including monofocal, monofocal plus and an extended range of focus lenses, all of which will be calculated with a toric correction as standard if you have any astigmatism. Following a comprehensive set of investigations, we will match the correct technology to your eyes.
Please remember that a pair of spectacles may be required for some very close tasks or for reading in low lighting. These lenses can also be used with monovision.
Standard Intraocular Lenses
These lenses are similar to those used in the NHS. They focus the eye at a single distance. Most people opt for distance vision, but some may prefer computer or reading vision. Similar to the other categories, these lenses are available in toric varieties to correct astigmatism.
Lens Replacement FAQ's
How quickly can I return to sport and normal activities?
You can return to normal activities very quickly following lens replacement surgery. We advise avoiding swimming for a month and any contact sports for three months. You can restart normal sporting activities such as running, going to the gym, cycling etc after a your first post-operative appointment, which , is usually on day 5-7. Depending upon your job you are likely to be able to return sooner than this. We will provide more personalised information before your surgery.
How much does lens replacement surgery / Refractive Lens Exchange cost?
We are transparent about pricing and have clear self pay categories for this treatment; enhanced and premium lenses. This fee includes hospital and theatre fees, surgeons fee, day of surgery medication and two scheduled follow-ups.
Also included is the cost of an excimer, refractive enhancement, that may be necessary for a small percentage of patients.
Mr Darcy does also offer a complex lens package for those individuals who have other ophthalmic issues, high prescriptions which are outside of the usual treatment range or had other ophthalmic surgery. In this instance the fee will vary and patients are advised, well in advance.
What is the usual follow-up after lens replacement surgery?
Following the surgery you will need to attend for follow-ups,7-10 days and week 6-7. Even though you my become spectacle independent it is still important to have annual follow-ups with your local Optometrist to check the health of your eyes.
What is laser enhancement?
We perform extensive investigations and calculations during your initial assessment, which typically takes around 90 minutes. Mr Darcy performs all types of refractive surgery, meaning he will perform any enhancements in-house himself. There are no hidden fees – the cost of a laser enhancement is included in the price for lens replacement surgery.
A laser enhancement my be required if the actual result is slightly off the intended calculated target. Even with our diligence and advanced technology, around 1 in 20 patients may end up with a ‘refractive surprise’. In this instance, you may require a laser enhancement to correct this. We usually wait three months after the procedure until your eyes have settled before performing this. A laser enhancement uses laser eye surgery to fine tune the final result. We will assess your suitability for this before performing the lens replacement. There are certain instances where people may not be suitable for an enhancement. If you are in this small group, during this first three-month period, you may need some glasses to sharpen your vision.
Can lens replacement surgery treat presbyopia?
Absolutely, this is one of its key benefits!
What else should I consider before having lens replacement surgery?
Before Lens Replacement /Refractive Lens Exchange, you will have had a thorough consultation with Mr Darcy and the opportunity to get all your questions answered. He will send you a detailed consent form to review and discuss any points pre-treatment and valuable instructions for treatment and immediate recovery.
10-20% of lens patients can experience posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which means the capsule can become cloudy and the clarity of vision is reduced. This can be effectively treated with a YAG laser treatment performed by your doctor in the clinic. Please note this procedure is not included in your initial surgery fee.
What is astigmatism and why does it matter?
Astigmatism causes two focal points of light to focus on the retina, causing ghosting or blurring of vision, in between 30-60% of the population.
It can usually be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. Alternatively we can permanently apply the astigmatism correction to the intraocular lens we insert into your eye. This may avoid the need for glasses or contact lenses, offering you more freedom. We offer astigmatism correction as standard.*
* Insurance companies do not cover the cost of astigmatism correcting intraocular lenses. An additional charge will apply.
All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk, including not obtaining the desired outcome through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of sight correction surgery, including those specific to your own circumstances, at the time of your preoperative consultation.
Lens replacement Surgery / Refractive Lens Exchange