Refractive Lens Exchange. What Is It?

By Author: Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic
Total Articles: 13
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Refractive lens exchange is offered to correct vision defects also known as refractive errors. This surgery is often performed to correct farsightedness (hyperopia) and near-sightedness (myopia). It is usually performed in adults who don't want to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses. Some patients with extreme near or farsightedness don't qualify for laser refractive surgery and instead undergo a refractive lens exchange.

Refractive lens exchange is the same procedure as cataract surgery, performed in patients without cataracts. The only difference between the two surgeries is cataract surgery removes a cloudy natural lens which causes blurring, while refractive lens exchange is offered, replacing a clear natural lens with a prescription intraocular lens, thereby eliminating the need to wear contact lenses or glasses.

Refractive lens exchange replaces a natural lens with an artificial one, which is also called an “intraocular lens implant”. Before surgery patients are typically given a mild sedative and anaesthetic which numbs the eye for surgery. A small cut is made and the natural lens is removed ...
... and replaced with the artificial one. The artificial lens helps to improve vision without the need for contact lenses or glasses.

This surgery is beneficial to those over fifty with a vision prescription. Someone with a high prescription that doesn’t qualify for laser vision correction, may benefit from refractive lens exchange. It is also beneficial to those with the start of cataracts that have not yet affected vision. This surgery in turn prevents the development of cataracts later in life. The intraocular lenses are synthetic, not biodegradable and therefore do not require replacement.

There can be side effects related to refractive lens exchange, which you may not experience with other procedures. Patients who are already very near-sighted are at a higher risk of retinal holes, retinal tears and retinal detachments.

Your eye surgeon will be able to discuss the options with you, helping you decide on the best surgery based on your unique needs.

When it comes to your eyes, you must choose a surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience who can assist you improve or preserving your sight. Often your optician will refer you to an ophthalmic surgeon who will be able to examine your eyes and come up with a treatment plan.

When it comes to choosing a surgeon to perform your refractive lens exchange, it's recommended that you do some research. If you have been referred or whether you want to find your surgeon, the internet can help. Searching online will present several experienced, knowledgeable and reputable surgeons in your location.

Always make use of their website, which should provide valuable information on their experience, their education and qualifications and their track record. You should research several surgeons to see which one best meets your requirements. Never go on face value, always do your research and then review them in detail. This step is vital in finding the right surgeon to perform your refractive lens exchange.

With your short-list in hand, you can make an appointment to meet your refractive lens, exchange surgeon. The initial consultation is an important opportunity for you to ask questions and find out more about the surgery and side effects and read any additional information based on what you found on their website. Write questions down so you don’t forget them.

About Us:

Sharmina Khan is a leading Cataract and Lens Surgery Specialist operating from the prestigious and world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, United Kingdom. Sharmina Khan has completed over five thousand successful cataract and lens surgeries in the past five years. She specialises in cataract, refractive lens exchange and YAG laser capsulotomy. Her focus is to improve vision, using state of the art technology including femtosecond laser and premium lens technology. For more information on this specialist surgeon and the eye care services she provides, visit https://www.sharminakhan.co.uk.