FAQs about multifocal corrective surgery

How does multifocal corrective surgery differ from laser eye treatment?

Refractive lensectomy surgery does not use lasers. It is a refractive procedure where the natural lens behind your cornea is gently removed using a microscopic self-sealing incision in the periphery of your eye’s cornea. An intraocular lens is then implanted. Usually only local anaesthetic eye drops are used.

Are there any risks or complications with multifocal surgery?

Multifocal surgery is a highly successful procedure all over the world. More than 99 per cent of surgeries improve vision, but a small number of patients may experience some problems.

As with any surgery, results can never be guaranteed. There is always a possibility of complications – potentially due to a reaction of the drug used, or other factors that may involve other parts of your body. Serious complications are extremely rare, however, and occur in less than 0.5 per cent of cases.

In cases where two lenses are used, a membrane may form between them, requiring further surgery – but this is very rare. In rare instances, a lens will need to be taken out.

Less serious complications may occur in up to 5 per cent of cases. In general, these complications do not have serious effects on your vision, or they are transient.

If you experienced glare or halos before surgery, you will most likely experience these after multifocal corrective surgery too. 

What if something goes wrong with my multifocal corrective surgery?

Nobody can predict exactly how the new lens will perform once it is in place. On rare occasions, the lens may even need to be replaced in a second procedure, because it does not match your eye.

In cases where an implant lens exchange is medically necessary, there are no out-of-pocket expenses for surgical or anaesthetic fees, but you will need to pay for the day theatre if you don't have private health insurance.

If the eye is healthy, however, the chances that you will have good vision following a refractive lensectomy are excellent.