• Vsion correction without using a laser that removes corneal tissue i.e. cornea is untouched
• Fast Visual Revovery
• Eliminates the need for cataract surgery in future
• Preserves central cornea
• Predictable outcome
• No issues like regression etc
• Able to treat refractive errors and prevent cataract with one surgery
• Able to preserve the ability to read with the use multifocal lens implants  
   

Who Benefits Most? 

• People with extreme degrees of shortsightedness or longsightedness and not suitable for corneal   surgeries
• People with refractive errors and showing signs of early cataract development 
   

How does it Work?
 

Unlike corneal refractive surgeries which reshape the cornea, a refractive lensectomy changes the focusing power of the lens within the eye. During the procedure, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced by a manufactured lens implant which has been selected to provide clear focusing ability. The lens implant remains within the eye, without needing any further repeat surgeries post-operative.  

A refractive lens exchange procedure is similar to modern cataract surgery. To begin, the surgeon makes normally two very small incisions on the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a delicate instrument to create a smooth, round opening in the outer capsule of the natural lens. Using an ultrasonic suction probe, the surgeon proceeds to gently break up and suction out the gel or the contents of the natural lens from the lens capsule or lens bag. Then, the surgeon inserts a high quality lens implant of appropriate power and positions it securely within the natural lens capsule. The surgery is usually completed without stitches, since the incision is designed to be very small and self-sealing. The whole procedure takes around 15 minutes. 

There is an option of multifocal implant being inserted to correct both distance and near vision. Otherwise a monofocal lens implant will correct distance vision,often needing reading glasses for near work.  

What do you Expect?
 

Visual recovery after a Refractive Lens Exchange is usually fast. A few minutes after surgery patients usually can start to see the difference in their vision. With a good overnight’s rest, vision is starkly different compared to pre-operative state. Patients will be able to see quite comfortably within a week. Resumption of normal daily routine should be achieved very soon after.

The two main risk concern for this procedure are retinal detachment (which can be spontaneous in people with high degrees of refractive error) and infection. Although the percentage is very small, all precautions must be taken to prevent them. Thus, this procedure has to be done under strict sterile conditions. Patients will be screened thoroughly for signs of retinal breaks prior to the surgery, so that remedial actions can be taken. Other risks are deemed insignificant and can be dealt with easily by the attending Surgeon. 

Most patients experience some temporary blurring for a few days and light sensitivity for a few weeks which can be eased by sunglasses under sunlight exposure. Dryness are expected and use of artificial tear will soothe the condition. Patients will have to be on antibiotic eyedrops for a certain amount of time pot-operative and the eye condition monitored closely until stabilization takes place.