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Lens Replacement (Refractive Lens Exchange)
Lens Surgery
At The Eye Unit, our lens replacement or refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery offers a permanent alternative to glasses or contact lenses, especially for those over 50.
Overview
- Comprehensive vision improvement: Enjoy clear vision for reading, intermediate, and distance tasks.
- Advanced technology: Utilising cutting-edge diagnostic tools to select the optimal intraocular lens (IOL).
- Personalized care: Tailored treatment plans to address your specific vision needs and enhance quality of life.
- Permanent solution: Eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses with a lasting vision correction.
What is Lens Replacement (RLE)?
Understanding Lens Replacement
Definition
Lens replacement, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction, involves replacing the eye’s natural crystalline lens with a pre-calculated artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure addresses various vision concerns, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Types of Procedures
At The Eye Unit, we offer various lens replacement options: - Enhanced Procedure: Corrects distance and intermediate vision, reducing day-to-day glasses dependency. - Premium Procedure: Provides vision correction at all distances for maximum visual freedom. - Complex Procedures: For eyes with extreme prescriptions or complex ophthalmic issues.
Candidate Suitability
Lens replacement is generally suitable for individuals aged 40 and over, especially those with high prescriptions or who experience difficulties with reading, varifocal glasses, or contact lenses. Exceptions can be made for younger patients with specific needs.
Implantable Contact Lenses
Understanding ICL
Definition
An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a type of artificial lens that is surgically implanted into the eye to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional laser eye surgeries such as LASIK, which reshape the cornea, ICL procedures involve inserting a thin, biocompatible lens made from a material called Collamer into the eye without altering the corneal structure.
Key features of the ICL:
- Reversibility: Unlike LASIK, the ICL procedure is reversible, meaning the lens can be removed or replaced if needed.
- Biocompatibility: The Collamer material used in the lens is designed to be compatible with the eye, reducing the risk of complications.
- Maintenance-free: Once implanted, the lens generally does not require maintenance, and it offers long-term correction of vision problems.
- Placement: The ICL is placed between the eye's natural lens and the iris (the colored part of the eye), meaning it is invisible and doesn't alter the eye's outward appearance.
- Wide range of correction: ICLs can treat a higher degree of nearsightedness or astigmatism than other procedures like LASIK, making them an option for patients with severe vision problems.
Procedure:
- Preoperative consultation: Patients undergo a comprehensive eye exam to determine their suitability for the procedure.
- Surgery: The procedure is quick (usually taking around 20–30 minutes per eye) and typically performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made, and the ICL is folded and inserted into place.
- Recovery: Recovery is relatively quick, with most people experiencing improved vision within a few days.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for ICLs?
They are also an excellent option for patients who prefer a reversible procedure or wish to avoid some of the risks associated with other forms of refractive surgery.
ICLs are ideal for patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery, such as those with thin corneas or high prescriptions.
Benefits of ICLs
ICLs offer clear, stable vision correction without altering the shape of the cornea, preserving the eye’s natural structure. The lenses are invisible to others and provide crisp, sharp vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, ICLs can be removed or upgraded as your vision changes over time, making them a flexible and long-term solution.
The Procedure
How Lens Replacement is Performed
Procedure Steps
Lens replacement is performed as an outpatient procedure: - Numbing the Eye: Anaesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye. - Creating an Opening: A small incision is made to access the natural lens. - Removing the Natural Lens: The lens is removed using a specialized ultrasound instrument. - Inserting the New Lens: The natural lens is replaced with the pre-calculated IOL. - No Stitches Required: The small incision self-seals, with visual clarity improving as recovery progresses.
Preparing for Lens Replacement
Preparation and Recovery
Preparation
Preparation involves a thorough eye examination to determine suitability, followed by a discussion on the best lens options for your needs.
Post-Procedure Care
Post-procedure care includes following recovery instructions, using prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments. Most patients notice significant improvement within weeks, with complete healing over several months.
Frequently asked questions
Lens replacement can correct various vision problems, including short-sight (myopia), long-sight (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). It provides a permanent solution to these common vision concerns.