Does lens replacement hurt?
In this video, Dan Nguyen answers, ‘Does lens replacement hurt’?
It’s completely normal to wonder what lens replacement surgery feels like. After all, your eyes are delicate, and most people are a little nervous about anything to do with them. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “Does lens replacement hurt?”
The simple answer is no – lens replacement surgery doesn’t hurt. My team and I make sure your entire journey, from your first consultation to recovery, is smooth, reassuring, and comfortable.
What to expect during lens replacement surgery
Lens replacement surgery, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a medical procedure that improves your vision and reduces your need for glasses or contact lenses. It’s designed to treat presbyopia – a natural, age-related change that makes it hard to see up close. Most people start noticing this in their 40s or 50s, when reading small print or looking at their phone becomes more difficult.
During the procedure, we replace your eye’s natural lens with a small, artificial lens called an implant. It works much like your natural lens did when you were younger – focusing light clearly onto your retina so you can see well at all distances.
Is it the same as cataract surgery?
Lens replacement surgery often gets mistaken for cataract surgery because both use the same technique: removing the natural lens and replacing it with a new one. The difference is why we do it.
Cataract surgery is performed when the natural lens has become cloudy, affecting vision and daily life. Lens replacement surgery, on the other hand, is done before cataracts develop. It treats clear lenses that have simply lost flexibility due to age. In that sense, RLE can actually prevent you from ever developing cataracts later in life.
Does lens replacement hurt?
Before your procedure, we use numbing anaesthetic eye drops so you don’t feel pain. Some people describe a mild pressure or a sense of cool water during the operation, but not pain. There’s no need for needles or general anaesthetic – you’ll be awake but relaxed, and we’ll keep you informed throughout.
The surgery itself usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Many patients are surprised by how quick and straightforward it is. You’ll rest briefly afterwards before heading home the same day.
Most people tell me the same thing after surgery: “Was that it?” They’re amazed by how comfortable it was and wish they hadn’t waited so long to have it done.
What about after the surgery?
Once the anaesthetic wears off, your eye may feel a little gritty or watery, similar to how it feels after getting an eyelash stuck in it. This is normal and usually fades within a day or two.
You’ll be given prescribed eye drops to use for a few weeks. These help your eye heal and reduce the chance of inflammation. During this period, it’s important to follow the aftercare advice we give you, for example, avoiding rubbing your eyes or getting water in them for the first few days.
Most people can return to normal activities like reading, working, and watching television the next day. Vision usually improves quickly, though it can take a few days to settle as your brain adjusts to your new lens.
A comfortable, calm experience
Our goal is always to make your experience positive. From your pre-surgery checks to your follow-up visits, we’ll talk you through every step so you always know what’s happening. The equipment we use is state-of-the-art, and the environment is calm and designed for your comfort.
Lens replacement surgery is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do because of how often patients say, “I can’t believe I waited this long.” Once they experience how easy and comfortable it is, their only regret is not doing it sooner.
See life clearly again
Lens replacement surgery offers an opportunity to enhance your vision and live life to the fullest, without the constant frustration of reading glasses or contact lenses.
If you’ve been wondering whether the procedure hurts or if it’s right for you, the best next step is to book an appointment. We’ll answer your questions, check your eyes, and show you how straightforward and comfortable the process can be.
Book a free video appointment today to discover how lens replacement can help you maximise your visual potential and enjoy clearer, more confident sight.
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Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
