Our Services
Lens Replacement Surgery
Lens Surgery, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE), refers to a medical procedure that involves the removal of a cloudy or damaged natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) and also corrects refractive errors. Lens surgery is a safe, effective solution for a variety of vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and cataracts, improving quality of life by restoring clear vision.
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Consent Forms
Review the treatment process & acknowledge informed consent forms.
Insurance Information
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Pre-Appointment Checklist
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Post-Procedure Care
Know the key steps for a smooth recovery after YAG capsulotomy.
Table of Contents
Your comfort and confidence matter. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Treatment Process
Pre-Operative Consultation
Consultation and Assessment
Before the surgery, a thorough eye examination will be conducted to assess your overall eye health and determine the type of IOL best suited for your needs (monofocal, multifocal, or toric lenses). Measurements will be taken to ensure the replacement lens fits your eye perfectly.
The Surgeon will recommend an intraocular lens based on your overall eye health, lifestyle and the measurements gathered at the pre-operative examination
Medication and Instructions
You may be prescribed eye drops to use before the surgery to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days (as advised by your doctor). Refrain from using makeup, creams, or lotions around your eyes on the day of surgery.
Transportation and Support
Arrange for someone to drive you home, as your vision may be temporarily affected after surgery.
Treatment Process
Surgical Procedure
Lens replacement surgery is a quick and generally painless outpatient procedure.
Arrival and Preparation
You’ll arrive at our clinic, and a nurse will guide you through the preoperative steps. Anaesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb your eyes, and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax.
The Procedure
The surgeon will create a tiny incision in your eye using advanced techniques, typically with a laser or small blade. The natural lens will be gently removed, usually using ultrasound energy to break it into small pieces (phacoemulsification). The artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) will be implanted in its place. The incision is usually self-sealing and may not require stitches.
Duration
The surgery typically takes 15–30 minutes per eye. If both eyes require surgery, they are often treated on separate days.
Post Surgery & Recovery
After Lens surgery, following postoperative instructions is crucial to ensure proper healing and the best outcome.
Immediate Aftercare
You’ll rest in a recovery area for a short time before being discharged. Your eye may be covered with a protective shield
First Few Days
Apply eye drops as prescribed. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over. Do not rub your eyes, and wear protective glasses or a shield, especially while sleeping.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend all follow-ups to monitor the healing process and ensure the lens is functioning correctly. Your doctor may recommend adjustments in your activities based on your recovery progress.
Vision Improvement
Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, though full recovery may take a few weeks. Glasses may still be needed for certain tasks, depending on the type of lens implanted
Understanding Your Procedure
Step-by-Step: How Lens Replacement Surgery Works
Anaesthetic Eye Drops
Numbing eye drops are administered to ensure that the patient does not experience pain during the treatment
Capsulotomy
Capsulotomy involves creating a circular incision in the capsule surrounding the natural lens (capsulorhexis) for accessing and removing the natural lens.
Phacoemulsification
High-frequency sound waves emitted by a handheld ultrasound device break up the lens into an emulsified gelatinous mass
Lens Removal
The fragments of the natural lens are carefully suctioned out of the eye, leaving the empty lens capsule intact
IOL Implantation
The chosen IOL, which has been folded for insertion, is inserted into the empty lens capsule using the same tiny incision
IOL Placement
The IOL gently unfolds into the capsular bag, replacing the natural lens completely in its proper position
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Might Want to Know Before Your Consultation
Who Benefits from lens replacement surgery?
Lens surgery is a great option for individuals with vision problems that glasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct. It is beneficial for those with cataracts, refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia, those looking to reduce dependence on glasses, or individuals who are not suitable candidates for LASIK but seek long-term vision correction. A consultation with an eye specialist can help determine if lens surgery is the right choice for you.
What types of Lens Surgery are there?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure is ideal for individuals with refractive errors such as presbyopia, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. It involves replacing the natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL) to enhance vision at multiple distances. RLE is similar to cataract surgery, the most common type of lens surgery procedure, which removes the eye’s cloudy lens caused by cataracts and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. It helps restore sharp vision and often reduces the need for glasses. Both procedures enhance visual clarity and quality of life.
What are the typical symptoms?
You may be eligible for lens surgery if you:
- Have refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia that cannot be corrected with LASIK.
- Have cataracts that cause blurry vision and impact daily activities.
- Want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for clearer vision.
- Are in good overall health with no severe eye infections or uncontrolled medical conditions.
- Have stable vision with no significant changes in prescription over the past year.