It is also known by other terms such as Lens Replacement surgery, Clear Lens Exchange, Natural Lens Replacement (NLR), and Presbyopia Lens Exchange (PRELEX).
It involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a state of the art lens implant. There are a variety of different lens implant options available, and the option best suited for you will largely be determined by the health of your eyes and your vision correction needs.
Generally, those over the age of 50 with any level of hyperopia (farsighted), and 55 with any level of myopia (shortsighted) and/or astigmatism, may be suitable for Lens Replacement surgery.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a vision correction option for patients who are frustrated by presbyopia, hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (Short-sightedness) or their dependence on contact lenses and glasses.
Choosing the best implant for RLE depends on your eye’s conditions and your individual needs.
At your pre-operative appointment, Mr Voyatzis will discuss the available options with you.
The optimal lens choice and a clear plan of action will be decided based on your requirements and taking into consideration the findings of your detailed eye examination.
Between your initial consultation and your surgery there will be a period where your needs can be further explored to achieve the best possible result.
RLE is a day-case procedure. Usually, one eye is operated on but sometimes both eyes can be operated on the same day.
The surgery itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per eye but you should expect to be in the hospital for 2 to 3 hours.
No, this is a completely pain-free the procedure. Anaesthetic drops are used to completely numb the eye before the beginning of the procedure. Additionally, sedation can be given to keep you relaxed during the operation. There is also the option of a General Anaesthetic but it is very rarely necessary.
Your vision is likely to be better the following day, although it will continue to improve in the days following the operation. It is very important to understand though that the recovery time can vary significantly between individuals and even between the eyes of the same patient.
You may return to work when you feel able.
You may drive once you meet the DVLA standard but we would advise to only do so if you also feel safe to do so.
Overall, RLE surgery is very safe. Complications rarely occur, with a serious problem such as an infection or bleeding in the eye affecting approximately 1 in 1000 patients. 1 in 100 patients may require a second operation – this could include repositioning or exchange of the lens, clearing lens fragments from the back of the eye or repairing a retinal detachment.
For prices and enquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Legg
+44 (0) 2074594045
admin@georgevoyatzis.co.uk
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