Refractive Lens Exchange

Lens Replacement Intra-ocular Lens Implant

Lens replacement surgery (Refractive lens exchange) is a good option when a patient is at an age that requires reading correction (presbyopia). Multifocal intraocular lens implants can effectively restore spectacle free near, intermediate and distance vision. Custom selection of multifocal intraocular lenses for each eye results in a seamless transition from close reading to intermediate at any eye position.  These lenses provide the closest match to a young person's vari-focal vision.

We are born with a soft lens inside the eye which allows for a variation in focus from far to near like the autofocus mechanism in a modern camera (accommodation).  However, as we age, the soft internal lens hardens and we progressively can't change focus from far to near.  This condition is called presbyopia.  The aged and stiff internal lens can be replaced (exchanged) with an artificial lens implant inside the eye.  Younger patients have other surgical options which can preserve the focusing ability of the soft internal lens (accommodation).  All presbyopia treatment has side effects, the side effects of multifocal vision are outlined below.  

This internal lens will eventually become blurry as a person ages, this condition is then called cataract.  Lens replacement surgery is effectively cataract surgery performed before the development of a cataract.

Lens Exchange Procedure

This short procedure has quick recovery and it is the most commonly performed elective surgery in the western world. Most of the time the same lens exchange procedure is performed for the treatment of vision blurring cataracts. Increasingly, this procedure is used for refractive error correction. Once this operation is performed the patient will not develop a lens cataract in the future, unlike other refractive treatments.

It is possible to have this lens implantation surgery under general anaesthesia. Vision recovery from this painless procedure only takes several days. 

LASER Lens Surgery System 

Laser lens implant surgery system is also available for improved surgical accuracy. Laser lens system is a premium option available to improve precision of several critical steps in lens implant surgery to ensure the best outcome and comfort.  The laser procedure is performed just prior to refractive lens exchange surgery within the same hospital visit.  

Lens Implant Side-effects 

The artifical multifocal lens implants create halos with light spots in dark enviroments.  Most patients do adapt to the change in vision at night with time.  There are minor issues with light sensitivity and reflections in the short term after surgery.

Perth Eye Hospital - Perth's Premiere Eye Surgery Facility

We perform lens implant surgery at Perth Eye Hospital.  You can be confident with your refractive lens exchange surgery at Perth Eye Hospital.  This private ultra-modern facility is thelargest eye surgery centres in Perth for over 20 years.

Refractive lens exchange surgery is a very short comfortable day procedure performed in an operating theatre. Patients are only expected to be in the hospital for several hours

Accurate Surgery begins with precise measurements in the clinic

Zeiss IOL Master is an automated non-contact laser biometer which measures the length of the eye, curvature of the cornea and other parameters. Modern biometry is performed with laser interferometry. Laser measurements are vastly superior to ultrasound measurements which was the standard not so long ago. IOL Biometry is a set of eye measurement test and calculation that predicts the power of the lens implant required for each patient. We have the latest bio-scanners in our clinic to ensure the most accurate results.  

We also use a Wavelight Oculyser II to improve the accuracy of corneal curvature measurements.  This instrument is not commonly found in most eye clinics as it's mainly used to precisely measure the shape of cornea for Laser corneal eye surgery targeting.  

In some cases we also use an OCT (optical coherent tomography) laser scanner to detect any abnormalities in the retina prior to surgery.  An OCT is similar to a CT scan for the eye but only laser light is used (no xray).  Cross sectional scans of the eye and fundus photographs are taken at the same time to allow diagnosis of subtle retinal problems. Undetected abnormal shape in the retina can drastically reduce surgical accuracy and safety.

Using all these data, our software performs the necessary calculations to custom derive the required lens power for each patient.  Ray-tracing software calculation is used in cases with astigmatism and patients who previously have had laser eye surgery.

All these tests are quick and painless.  They are performed routinely before your consultation at our state of the art clinic.  To find out more about lens implant surgery in Perth Eye Hospital or to book a consultation at our Nedlands clinic, call us today on (08) 9388 1828