Intra-ocular lens implant surgery uses similar surgical techniques to those required for cataract surgery, in which the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens.

The surgeon will remove the clear lens of the eye and implant a new lens to help correct your vision. Since the lens that is removed does not have a cataract , this is considered a refractive procedure, not a cataract surgery procedure, even though both procedures involve the same operation of replacing your lens with a new lens to help improve your vision.

What is involved?

The refractive lens exchange procedure involves removing your eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (lens implant). Your refractive surgeon will calculate the power of the replacement lens implant through special measurements of the length and curvature of the eye, which are then entered into a special computer formula. The specialist lens will be ordered for you prior to your surgery. This will eliminate the prescription in your glasses or contact lenses, hence resulting in your vision improving. The natural lens in your eye sits inside a lens capsule (similar to a bag) and when it is removed this capsule is left intact. The new artificial lens is then placed back into this capsule in the exact same position as your natural lens was located.

Who is Refractive Lens exchange/Clear lens extraction suitable for?

Refractive lens exchange is generally recommended for those aged 45 years and over and this is because such people will have already started to develop presbyopia (short sightedness). Consequently, when the natural lens in your eye is removed during refractive lens exchange, you will no longer have the ability to focus on things that are close to you. If you already need spectacles for near vision as a result of your age, this is far less likely to have an impact on you. At The Westbourne Centre Birmingham, our team of highly skilled consultant eye surgeons can offer patients multifocal lenses, thus eliminating the need for glasses post surgery.

If you would like to book a consultation with one of our consultant eye surgeons, please call us on 0121 456 0880 or alternatively you can fill out our online enquiry form