LaserVision

Refractive Lens Exchange Treatment at a glance

What is Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?

 Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery – RLE – involves the replacement of the natural lens in the eye, with a new mono-focal, multifocal or pseudo-accommodative intraocular lens implant (IOL).

Accurate measurements of the eye taken prior to lens replacement surgery allow for a bespoke, customised intraocular lens (IOL) to be implanted which can correct for any degree of long or short-sightedness and astigmatism so that clear distance vision without glasses is a reality. With the choice of premium lens implants, achieving excellent reading vision without glasses may be achieved  with refractive lens exchange surgery allowing for true spectacle independence

In simple terms, this means that each patient benefits from new, personalised lenses, which provide the best and most accurate correction for their vision.

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Very subtle differences in lens design mean that some perform better in certain circumstances than others and that is why accurate measurements and an in-depth consultation is needed prior to refractive lens surgery to ascertain which lenses or combination of lenses best suit you and your lifestyle

There are several types of lens and these are namely; monofocal, multifocal (also called bifocal), accommodative, toric for the correction of astigmatism and phakic lenses. Sometimes combining lenses is necessary and it may even be necessary to have lenses specially made.

Very subtle differences in lens design mean that some perform better in certain circumstances than others and that is why accurate measurements and an in-depth consultation is needed prior to refractive lens surgery to ascertain which lenses or combination of lenses best suit you and your lifestyle

There are several types of lens and these are namely; monofocal, multifocal (also called bifocal), accommodative, toric for the correction of astigmatism and phakic lenses. Sometimes combining lenses is necessary and it may even be necessary to have lenses specially made.

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Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

  • Lens exchange surgery is painless and quick, performed in 10 minutes per eye
  • Local anaesthesia
  • Opportunity to be glasses-free for all tasks
  • Same safety profile as modern cataract surgery

What happens during lens replacement surgery?

  • 1.Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied to both eyes
  • 2.An instrument is gently positioned to hold your eyelids open
  • 3.Lens replacement surgery is then fundamentally the same as cataract surgery with the option of standard or femtosecond laser assisted surgery
  • 4.Your new intraocular lens is carefully positioned without the need for stitches
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The intraocular lens (IOL) implants are left in place for life. They are biologically inert and are made from acrylic polymers.

  1. Monofocal lens

Most commonly implanted lenses tend to be aspheric monofocal lenses, which are designed to give the best quality vision. These would be suitable for patients who are happy wearing reading glasses, although often it is possible to offset the focus in one eye to allow ‘blended’ vision

  1. Toric lens implants

These lenses are designed to correct astigmatic errors within the eye and thereby minimise dependence upon spectacles after surgery. Toric lenses can be obtained in single focus, multifocal and trifocal lens styles

  1. Accommodative lens implants

These lenses are designed to mimic the ability of the eye to accommodate presbyopia by using a movable lens. These lenses often obtain excellent distance and intermediate vision. Reading vision is dependent on several factors but it is not uncommon to require reading glasses after surgery. The benefits of these lenses are that they avoid the potential side effects of a multifocal lens but give an extended range of vision and therefore reduce dependence upon spectacles after surgery

  1. Multifocal lens implants

These lenses are designed to maximise the range of vision by providing multiple focal points at distance, intermediate and near vision. They are an excellent choice for motivated patients wishing to minimise dependence upon spectacles after surgery

They are generally very successful, but there is a degree of compromise. Some patients will notice a degree of glare and halos around lights, especially at night, due to light scatter. Although this is generally not too bothersome, a small minority of patients may find it troublesome. These effects often improve with time.

The accuracy of IOL calculations is roughly 94% with modern technology. Consequently, some patients may find that their sight has a small residual refractive error remnant after surgery. In these cases we perform LASEK surgery as part of the package to enhance clarity and obtain the best possible vision. Once performed, patients who have undergone RLE surgery should have a stable refraction for life.

An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) specially selected for your lifestyle and visual goals. Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser technology. YAG laser within 12 months. LASEK enhancement surgery. All follow-up consultations for the rest of the 12 months or until discharge.

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Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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