Discover how you can read without glasses and contacts (even after 50!)
In this video, I explain how patients feel after lens replacement
Ditch your reading glasses and turn back the clock on your eyes
Discover how you can restore your reading vision through lens replacement
Rewind the clock
Lens replacement with premium lenses can correct your prescription meaning that you’ll be able to see a whole range of distances without glasses or contact lenses. My patients tell me that this amazing procedure gave them back a sense of freedom and youthful energy that they thought they had lost but were relieved to regain.
Regain comfort and convenience
After lens replacement surgery, my patients feel victorious. They’re so relieved that they made the decision to correct their vision when they did, and only regret that they didn’t do it sooner. The confidence and convenience that comes with spectacle-freedom enable you to throw yourself into any activity or hobby you choose. You’ll no longer have to think about where you last put your glasses again and can live life to its fullest.
Gain spectacle independence at any age
For many of my patients in North Wales, Cheshire and Manchester, the arrival of presbyopia is a not-so-subtle reminder that they’ve reached middle age. If you’ve worn glasses your whole life, this means adding yet another pair of reading glasses or varifocals to your collection.
Fortunately, I can fix this natural, yet annoying part of ageing with premium lenses; often providing you with better vision than you’ve had your entire life.
Rewind the clock
Premium lenses can correct your prescription meaning that you’ll be able to see a whole range of distances without glasses or contact lenses. My patients tell me that this amazing procedure gave them back a sense of freedom and youthful energy that they thought they had lost but were relieved to regain.
Regain comfort and convenience
After the premium lens surgery, my patients feel victorious. They’re so relieved that they made the decision to correct their vision when they did, and only regret that they didn’t do it sooner. The confidence and convenience that comes with spectacle-freedom enable you to throw yourself into any activity or hobby you choose. You’ll no longer have to think about where you last put your glasses again and can live life to its fullest.
Over 50? Read again without glasses in 3 steps
Here’s how you can remove the frustration of reading glasses
Lens replacement enables you to read again without glasses
If you’d like to know the ins and outs of lens replacement we have all the information you need below
Lens replacement surgery suitability criteria
You may be suitable for lens replacement if you:
- Are 50 years or over (although exceptions to this may be considered depending on individual circumstances)
- Have a spectacle prescription for long-sightedness or short-sightedness, or both
- Wish to reduce or eliminate your dependency on wearing glasses or contact lenses
- Wish to improve your eye health
- Are not eligible for laser eye surgery
- Do not need cataract surgery
How lens replacement surgery works
Each eye has a natural lens. For us to see clearly, the lens has to be clear and have the appropriate focusing optical power (prescription). If you have short-sightedness or long-sightedness, or astigmatism, your eye does not have the correct optical power. Spectacles, contact lenses or laser eye surgery can correct this. You can also have your natural lens removed and replaced with an artificial lens to correct your refractive error or presbyopia.
This is also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE). If you choose refractive lens exchange surgery, you can reduce or eliminate your need for wearing glasses. These results are expected thanks to the high success rate of this procedure.
Advantages
Lens replacement surgery has an advantage over laser eye surgery as it can give a permanent solution with unaided distance and near vision. Lens replacement is also sometimes called:
- Clarivu
- Presbyopic Lens Exchange (Prelex)
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
- Clear Lens Extraction
- An additional benefit of lens correction for presbyopia is that you won’t have to worry about developing cataracts later in life.
The success rate of refractive lens exchange surgery is also high, enabling many patients to return to work as soon as a week after treatment.
Over the past few years, technology has improved and now there are a variety of premium lens implants such as multifocal lenses. Depending on your lifestyle, spectacle prescription and preferences, I will select the best lens implant for you.
Disadvantages
Eye lens replacement surgery is designed to reduce your dependency on wearing glasses and contact lenses. However, some people find that reading small print or seeing things very close can be a little challenging. This is corrected by reading glasses for these specific activities.
- Some people can be aware that reading in dim light can be more difficult.
- You can experience glares and halos around lights after dark, making driving at night more difficult. This often improves over time as you “neuro-adapt” to the lenses.
- Some people also temporarily experience dry eye. But luckily, this is easily treated by using eye drops.
Lens replacement surgery risks
Any surgical procedure carries an element of risk. Luckily refractive lens exchange has a high success rate. However, I will discuss the risks of lens replacement surgery with you, in detail, at your appointment.
Options and alternatives
I can use different types of artificial lenses to correct your vision.
- Extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) – Used to provide improved intermediate vision such as working at the computer.
- Multifocal lenses – Used to provide the widest “range” to the vision for distance, intermediate and near activities.
- Toric lenses – These can correct and reduce your astigmatism.
I must discuss the potential options with you to provide you with the most appropriate solution that will achieve your goals.
Lens replacement steps
- A high frequency ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye through a tiny incision. The probe “mines” out the natural lens.
- A clear plastic artificial lens is folded up and inserted into the eye through the same tiny incision.
- The lens unfolds within the eye to lie in the same position as the old lens.
- The strength of the implant is calculated before the operation to ensure that it will suit your eye.
- The tiny incision in the eye seals without the need for stitches.
- I can also treat your astigmatism at the same time if you wish.
Lens replacement results
Lens replacement with premium lenses reduces your dependency on wearing glasses and contact lenses. Unlike standard single-vision (monofocal) lens implants, premium multifocal lens implants are specially designed to provide good vision across the spectrum of varying distances. This should enable you to see well in the distance such as for driving, middle/intermediate range such as using your computer/tablet devices, and near for reading.
Will I still need to wear glasses if you recommend a multifocal lens?
The results will vary depending upon your level of vision, eye anatomy and lifestyle. Some patients find it more comfortable to wear reading glasses to read the small print when lighting conditions are dimmer or when driving. Most people, however, can conduct many of their day’s activities, hobbies and interests without depending on glasses and contact lenses, and only occasionally need to wear glasses.
Affiliations and Memberships
We are proud to be a part of these professional bodies
Watch our patients describe their journey to better vision
Our patients explain how their lives have changed after treatment
Are you over 55 and struggling with ageing eyes and the hassle of glasses?
I have a solution that can help you turn back the clock
My patients across Northwest England and North Wales are thrilled to read again without glasses
Hear how they turned back the clock on their eyes
My answers to the most frequently asked questions about lens replacement
Learn everything you want to know about lens replacement surgery so you can feel comfortable booking an appointment
Is refractive lens exchange safe?
Explore the safety of refractive lens exchange with our latest blog! We provide in depth information about this vision-enhancing procedure, focusing on its safety protocols and clinical insights. Read now and gain clarity!
Is refractive lens exchange covered by insurance?
Curious about whether your insurance covers refractive lens exchange? Check out our latest blog where we explore this common question in detail. Discover the factors that affect insurance coverage and learn about our clinic's approach to helping patients navigate the process. Don't miss out on this informative read!
Is lens replacement the same as cataract surgery?
Do you have questions about the differences between lens replacement surgery and cataract surgery? We're here to help! While these two procedures might sound similar, they have distinct differences. In this post, we'll provide a detailed overview of each procedure to help you decide which one is right for you.
Links to authoritative resources about lens replacement
Follow the links below for more information on lens replacement
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!
