Lens replacement surgery
Lens replacement: a permanent alternative to laser
A lens replacement, or “refractive lensectomy,” is different to laser eye surgery, although both can be used to correct the same vision errors. Lens replacement is an excellent alternative for patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery due to their age.
Laser versus lens: what's the difference?
The difference between lens replacement surgery and laser eye surgery is that while the lasers will sculpt and reshape your cornea (the clear window in front of your eye), Medownick’s lens replacement procedure will gently remove the lens from your eye altogether, and replace it with what is known as an Intraocular Lens, or IOL.
If we recommend lens replacement to you, it is most likely because the vision challenges you experience have less to do with the shape of the cornea at the front of your eye, and more to do with a stiffening of the actual lens inside your eye and the muscles around it. This is due to a condition called "presbyopia".
Presbyopia will ultimately affect almost everybody, regardless of whether or not they used to wear glasses, and irrespective of whether or not they ever had laser eye surgery. As presbyopia progresses, lens replacement can be a very accurate technique to turn back the clock on your eyes. In fact, it has a dramatic 99 percent success rate.
Benefits
If you find yourself swapping between glasses to drive and read, or battling with multifocals, you may enjoy the benefits of a simple lens replacement procedure.
Freedom from multifocals
The majority of patients are able to see at every distance, including close-up (like a phone or a book), middle (like your computer or the TV), and distance (like driving).
Comfortable and pain-free
The lens replacement procedure itself is performed on both eyes only one day apart, using anaesthetic eye-drops so there is no needle and you don’t feel a thing.
The world reopens
When your eyes become young again, the world reopens, whether that is for work, participating in sports, hobbies that require fine detail, or the freedom to travel.
Victoria’s most experienced
Medownick was the first clinic in Victoria to perform lens replacements using multifocal lenses in order to correct presbyopia, and we have decades of experience.
Customised to your eyes
The lenses we use are made of soft, flexible material, and are similar in composition to the natural lens of your eye. The performance is customised to your unique eyes.
Never grow cataracts
Cataracts grow inside the lens of the eye. Because your lens has been replaced, you can be sure that you will never develop cataracts at any point in your life.
Ready to turn back the clock on your eyes?
If you’re ready to find out how Medownick can make your eyes young again, simply book a free assessment by clicking the button below, or call us on 1800 37 39 37 to make an appointment. You do not need a referral.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an advanced vision correction procedure designed to improve the quality of life for patients who want to get rid of their glasses and are not suitable for laser eye surgery. . At Medownick Laser Eye Clinic, we specialise in providing comprehensive refractive lens exchange surgery to help our patients achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange, also known as RLE, involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, but it is performed primarily to correct refractive errors or presbyopia rather than to remove a cataract. It is an excellent option for individuals with presbyopia (the need for reading glasses and driving glasses), hypermetropia, myopia, or astigmatism who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery.
Is Refractive Lens Exchange Permanent?
One common question patients ask is, "Is refractive lens exchange permanent?" The answer is yes. Once the natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, the results are long-lasting. The artificial lens is designed to remain in place permanently, providing clear vision for many years. This makes RLE a durable and effective solution for those seeking long-term vision correction. Additionally, because the artificial lens does not degrade over time, it minimises the need for future lens replacement or cataract surgeries. Patients can enjoy a significant and lasting improvement in their vision, reducing or eliminating their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. This long-term benefit is a key reason why many choose RLE for their vision correction needs.
The Cost of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
The cost of refractive lens exchange surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of intraocular lens used, the surgeon's experience, and the specific needs of the patient. At Medownick Laser Eye Clinic, we strive to provide affordable options and offer flexible payment plans to make this life-changing procedure accessible to everyone. Our team will discuss all costs and financing options during your consultation.
How Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery Works
Refractive lens exchange surgery is performed under “twilight” anaesthesia at Epworth Hospital to ensure patient comfort and safety. A small incision is made during the procedure, and the natural lens is carefully removed. An artificial intraocular lens is then implanted to replace the natural lens. The surgery typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye, and each eye is treated only one day apart. Recovery is quick, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange
RLE offers several benefits over other vision correction methods. It can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including presbyopia, hypermetropia, myopia, and astigmatism. Additionally, the artificial lenses used in the procedure are designed to last a lifetime, reducing the need for future corrective surgeries. Patients often enjoy the convenience of reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Refractive Lens Exchange and Vision Correction at Medownick
At Medownick Laser Eye Clinic, we offer a wide range of vision correction procedures in addition to refractive lens exchange:
- Laser eye surgery in Melbourne: Providing high-quality laser eye surgery using state-of-the-art technology.
- Laser eye surgery for myopia: Specialised treatments to correct short-sightedness and enhance distance vision.
- Long-sighted laser surgery: Procedures to correct hypermetropia, ensuring clear vision for both near and far objects.
- Astigmatism and laser eye surgery: Precise treatments to correct astigmatism and improve overall vision.
- Treatments for reading glasses: Solutions to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses with driving glasses or multifocals, addressing presbyopia effectively.
- Eye lens replacement surgery: Offering a long-term solution for those not suitable for laser procedures.
- SmartSight eye surgery: Minimally invasive procedure with quick recovery times and excellent vision correction results.
- ICL surgery: A reversible, implantable lens option for patients not eligible for laser surgery.
Life After Refractive Lens Exchange
Many patients experience significant improvement in their vision after refractive lens exchange surgery. This enhanced clarity allows them to enjoy everyday activities like reading, driving, and participating in sports without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. The artificial lenses implanted during the procedure are designed to provide lasting vision correction, offering long-term benefits and greatly enhancing your overall quality of life.
Contact Us Today for Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
If you are considering refractive lens exchange surgery, don't wait to take the first step towards clearer vision. Schedule a consultation with Medownick Laser Eye Clinic to discuss your options and learn more about the benefits of RLE. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.
Experience the benefits of refractive lens exchange surgery at Medownick Laser Eye Clinic. Our commitment to patient care and advanced technology makes us the right choice for your vision correction needs. Let us help you see the world more clearly.