Laser Vision

What Is Lens Replacement Surgery?

What Is Lens Replacement Surgery?

Laser eye surgery isn’t the only option to help restore people’s eyesight. You could instead get lens replacement surgery, which involves surgically replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificially implanted one.

Due to technological advances, corrective vision procedures have become more accessible and commonplace, making people forgo glasses and contacts for a more permanent solution.

There are various types of lens replacement surgery available, including:

  • Cataract Surgery – the removal of the cloudy natural lens of the eye (the cataract) and replacing it with a carefully selected intraocular lens.
  • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – the replacement of the natural lens in the eye, with a new lens implant to correct any degree of long or short-sightedness and astigmatism.
  • Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange – involves the simultaneous or sequential implantation of a primary capsular bag IOL and a supplementary Trifocal sulcus IOL
  • Implantable Contact Lens – a micro-thin lens implant that is able to correct very high prescriptions

Why lens replacement surgery might be appropriate for you?

As with all eye treatments, in order to properly determine whether lens replacement surgery will be the best procedure for you and your specific situation, it’s essential that you first book a consultation with an expert eye surgeon on the team. They will be able to skillfully assess you to see if you are eligible for lens replacement surgery or what other treatment may be better suited to your situation.

A consultation is crucial as laser eye surgery isn’t necessarily the best option for patients over the age of 45. This is because your lens naturally starts to change and lose its functionality at this age, making the longevity of laser treatment unpredictable.

You may also not be eligible for laser eye surgery treatments if you have a high amount of refractive errors as there are limits on how much corneal tissue can be removed. In this case, a good alternative is lens replacement surgery such as refractive lens exchange.

How does lens replacement Surgery work?

The procedure involves accurate measurements of the eye being taken prior to surgery to allow for a bespoke lens to be created to provide a precise correction to your vision.

The eye’s original lens is then replaced with a new biocompatible artificial one. The lens implant works to correct the vision by having a prescription unique to the patient’s refractive error, either mono-or multi-focal.

Similar to procedures like LASIK, it is performed under local anaesthetic, however, each eye needs to be treated separately a week apart. The procedure takes between just ten and fifteen minutes and has virtually no discomfort or pain. Recipients will be able to return home the same day and often see an immediate improvement to their vision.

What different lenses are available

There are various lens options available, and which option is best for you will be determined during your consultation, with key factors including your age and vision correction requirements taken into consideration.

Some lenses will perform better in certain circumstances than others, and that’s why you must be assessed in-depth prior to receiving the treatment to determine which lenses will be most appropriate for you, given your lifestyle, age and prescription requirements.

Mono-focal Lens Implant

The most common lens to be implanted is a mono-focal lens, designed to give patients better vision specifically for one focal length, typically long-sightedness. This means that recipients of this procedure will likely still require reading glasses for near vision.

Multifocal/Bifocal Lens Implants

As the name implies, this type of lens implant corrects both distance and short-sighted vision allowing for a total depth of focus and eliminating or reducing the need for glasses. These high-performance lenses require a cornea with good optical properties and a surface free of dryness and no streaky tear film.

Accommodative lens implants

These implanted lenses move in response to your eye muscles, similar to how the natural eye lens would, providing excellent distance and near vision. They reduce the potential side effects of the multi-focal lens, providing an extended range of vision perfect for those wishing to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts.

Toric lens implants

Toric lens implants can be either mono- or multi-focal and are specifically for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism is imperfect eye curvature that causes blurred distance and near vision. Because every astigmatism differs, Toric lenses need to be customised to the recipient to suit the individual eye it is made for.

Benefits of lens replacement surgery

The procedure’s outcome is very stable, resulting in a significantly reduced dependence on corrective eyewear. The treatment is fast, with a minimal recovery time that doesn’t impact your lifestyle.

The treatment is perfect for treating a variety of different eye concerns or issues, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism and people prone to developing cataracts.

It’s completely natural to be nervous about having eye surgery. However, millions of procedures are done every year and it is one of the safest medical treatments you can get done to your eyes. With any rare complications able to be resolved with follow-up treatment.

While your vision may fluctuate for a few months immediately after surgery, the newly implanted lenses do not carry the risk of regression. Therefore they will not need replacing and are left in place, giving patients stable refraction for life. Because lens replacement surgery removes the natural lens, the procedure also eliminates the potential for developing cataracts later in life.

Speak with an eye surgery consultant

At LaserVision, we operate across the UK in a number of hospital-based clinics. If you are interested in finding out more about replacement lens exchange and your suitability, please call us on 0800 024 8888 and we will be happy to arrange a consultation.

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Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp profile picture
Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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