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Refractive Lens Exchange

What is Refractive Lens Exchange surgery?

It’s an increasingly popular treatment which can be used to correct both distance, intermediate (computer or dashboard vision) and near vision
Refractive lens exchange eye surgery is the same as cataract surgery and involves the replacement of the natural lens and implantation of a premium Intraocular Lens.

This allows surgeons to correct and eliminate short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism and reading vision problems.

Refractive lens exchange is most commonly performed in the context of reading vision correction in people over 50.

The purpose of refractive lens exchange is to allow the patient to be largely independent of spectacles for near and distance vision.

An added advantage of refractive lens exchange surgery is that you won’t develop a cataract later in life.

At Crystal Eye and Laser Centre we offer a variety of premium and customised lenses, so that we can provide the best solution for each patient's individual visual requirements.
Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

What is Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

With Implantable Contact Lens surgery, a customised premium bio-compatible synthetic lens is implanted in front of your existing natural lens.

It corrects your vision much like a traditional contact lens, but from within your eye. It works by providing additional focusing power to the eye’s optical system enabling you to see clear without glasses or contact lenses

The Implantable Contact Lens is an option for patients who are not suitable for Laser Eye Surgery because of a very high prescription or a thin cornea, or both.

An important advantage of this surgery is that it is totally reversible

You can schedule a consultation today at Crystal Eye and Laser Centre to find out what procedure is best suited for you.

Types of lenses

Premium intra-ocular lenses

Premium intra-ocular lens implants as used in refractive lens exchange have additional optical properties build into the lens to offer a wider range of vision than traditional lenses.

These lenses have very few nighttime side-effects and are usually for patients who want to get more out of their surgery but are happy to wear reading glasses for near tasks, like reading.
Multifocal intra-ocular lenses

These lenses are similar to the optics you will find in SLR cameras. Multifocal lenses are divided into zones which gives a patient the ability to see in the distance, at intermediate ranges for computer or dashboard vision as well as very good near vision to read without the need for reading glasses in most circumstances.

Multifocal lenses allow for a very high degree of spectacle independence.
Extended Depth of Focus intra-ocular lenses

Extended Depth of Focus intra-ocular lenses produces a single elongated focal point to enhance the range of vision. This allows the patient to have continuous vision from up close to distance. It has very few side-effects and most patients do not require any glasses following the implantation of these lenses.

These lenses are excellent lifestyle lenses and are very popular in active patients especially golfers and tennis players who require continuous vision at various distances.

Unlike multi-focal lenses these lenses do not have various focal points but rather gives a more natural continuous flow of vision.

Extended depth of focus lenses come in a variety of customised options to give a patient a bespoke visual outcome.
Pinhole Lenses

Pinhole lenses utilises an age old optical concept by only allowing focused light to enter the eye. These lenses offer patients additional spectacle independence for far, intermediate and near.

These lenses are best suited for patients who had previous corneal surgeries like radial keratotomy. Pinhole lenses are excellent in patients with abnormally shaped corneas like keratoconus.
Blended Vision

Blended vision involves the use of traditional monofocal lenses. The dominant eye get corrected for distance vision and the non dominant eye gets corrected for near vision. The patient will have a high degree of spectacle independence but reading glasses are usually needed for prolonged near tasks, like reading.
Astigmatism Correcting Toric intra-ocular lenses

Toric intra-ocular lenses correct astigmatism along with the spectacle correction of the eye. At Crystal Eye and Laser we customise the lens options to correct the patients astigmatism fully. We use computerised imagery in both our clinic and theatres to place these lenses as accurately as possible to ensure the best results.

So what can I expect?

Day of procedure checklist

Arrive a few minutes early to your appointment time.
You will be at our premises for around 2-3 hours.
Before the operation, you may shower or wash as normal.
You may like to wash your hair, as it is not recommended that you wash your hair for 2 days after the operation.
Avoid wearing any make up or perfume, and do not bring any jewellery with you.
At the time that your appointment or consultation is made, you will be told how long you should fast for.
You should not wear contact lenses for at least 48 hours before your surgery. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be asked to use eye drops prior to surgery.
You may take your usual medications. Bring them with you to the clinic.
It is recommended that you bring a friend along. They can be present during the operation and are required to drive you home.

A person undergoing laser eye surgery to correct their vision.

What to expect on the day of the procedure

1 Prepping

Prior to the operation, your Anaesthetist will ask you about any previous anaesthetic history and check your heart and blood pressure. A painless local anaesthetic may be applied to your eye, and drops will be administered to dilate the pupil. The skin around your eye will be cleaned.

2 The surgery begins

During the operation, you are likely to feel drowsy due to the sedation. You will hear what is going on around you and feel the surgeon’s hands on your face. Your surgeon will usually explain to you what is going on, whilst the procedure is being performed.

3 During the procedure

Your face and head will be protected by sterile material. Your Anaesthetist will always be on hand to monitor your progress. If you feel any discomfort, you should let the Anaesthetists or surgeon know

4 The experience

For most people, all they feel is a slight pressure and a ‘scratchy’ sensation at worst.

5 All done

Once the operation is complete, you will need to rest for a little while.

6 After the surgery

Most patients can leave within an hour. However, you will not be able to drive yourself. It is recommended that a friend, colleague or family member stay with you, and transport you home.

After the procedure

Aim to have a restful day and evening. We encourage you to go home or to other accommodation, and sleep or close your eyes for 3-4 hours.
Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye.
Avoid prying fingers of a child or baby.
Moderate physical activity is allowed, but do not lift heavy weights. Avoid straining and take care not to become constipated.
Use only the prescribed eye drops as directed. You will be instructed as to what drops to use, and when they are to be administered. It is preferable that someone else administers these drops for you. Continue using these drops until told to stop.
Dark glasses may be worn during the day if necessary for comfort.
The eye shields provided should be worn until the morning after surgery, and at night for the first two weeks.
Reading and watching television is allowed. You may wear your glasses if they help.
Driving may be resumed when you feel confident your vision is adequate for it. This typically occurs 12 hours after the operation. If in any doubt, please check with your doctor.
Do not wash your hair until after the one-day post-operative visit.
No eye makeup for 7 days.
No swimming for 2 weeks.
No contact sports for 4 weeks.
Some minor discomfort is normal, and may be relieved by taking two panadol or panadeine tablets.
Contact your doctor if there is any increase of pain or discomfort, or your eye becomes excessively red.
Check with your doctor when you can return to work.
Glasses, where required, will need changing after your operation. However, you may continue to use your old glasses until then; no harm will be done.