Things to Know About Laser Lens Replacement

Lens Replacement Surgery is another vision correction option. It involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a high-performance lens implant. Read these important facts to know before your treatment.

 

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Laser Lens Replacement (LLR) is a modern vision correction procedure designed to replace the eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial lens. This treatment is typically recommended for individuals with presbyopia, cataracts, or other refractive errors, aiming to improve vision and reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves using precise laser technology to remove the cloudy or compromised natural lens and implant a new one tailored to your specific visual needs. LLR not only restores clarity but can also provide long-term vision correction, offering a clearer, more vibrant view of the world.

Can Lens Replacement Surgery be performed on both eyes at once?

Surgery on both eyes is sometimes performed where clinically appropriate (This is called Bilateral sequential surgery). Patients suitable for surgery on both eyes are usually non-complex “middle of the road” cases. At Centre for Sight to ensure maximal safety, each eye is treated independently with different batch numbers of devices and medicines for each eye, as well as instruments that have had different sterilisation cycles.

If both eyes are treated on the same day, for practical reasons the eyes are not patched and instead goggles on an elastic band are placed to protect the eyes. Patients are advised to go home and keep their eyes closed to allow them to settle for at least 4 hours. Eye drops are also commenced on the same day and patients must be seen in consultation the following day.

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Can I have Lens Replacement if I’ve had laser eye surgery previously?

Yes, but it may restrict the range of lenses available to you. We will need more information to find the most suitable option for you before booking consultation.

What can I expect after Lens Replacement Surgery?

Adaptation (Neuro-adaptation)

When one eye is treated, vision may feel off initially. Farsighted patients might find distance blurry, while nearsighted patients usually see well at a distance but need time to adjust for near vision. With trifocal lenses, full benefits come after both eyes are treated, allowing the brain to adapt. Vision typically improves rapidly after both eyes are done

Visual Side Effects

Some patients (around 10%) may initially notice halos around headlights, which can make driving at night less comfortable. However, this typically improves over time as the brain adapts and suppresses the unwanted visual effects. Most people see a significant reduction in halos within 6 to 12 weeks, with some taking up to 12 to 18 months to fully adjust.

Dry Eye

When one eye is treated, vision may feel off initially. Farsighted patients might find distance blurry, while nearsighted patients usually see well at a distance but need time to adjust for near vision. With trifocal lenses, full benefits come after both eyes are treated, allowing the brain to adapt. Vision typically improves quickly once complete.

Reading and Intermediate Vision

Trifocal lenses focus on three distances: primarily for distance (60% or more), with the rest for intermediate and near vision. Near vision may be harder in dim lighting due to pupil dilation, but using a light can help. It may take 6 to 12 weeks for the brain to adjust to intermediate vision, like reading a computer screen.

Will having LLR and multifocal/trifocal lenses affect my eye health in the future?

The procedure does not stop one from developing eye problems or increase the risk of eye problems. Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can still occur and for this reason it is important to be regularly monitored by an eye care practitioner such as a local Optometrist. It is best to continue a relationship with your current Optometrist and maintain continuity of care and also contact us at Centre for Sight if there are ever any concerns.

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Alternatives to Lens Replacement Surgery?

Laser vision correction

Laser eye surgery procedures include LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomileusis) or Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), work by changing the shape of the cornea and therefore do not involve a lens implant.

Phakic Intraocular Lenses

These are lens implants inserted into the eye without removal of the clear natural lens. Both the above options are better for those under the age of 50, who still have clear lenses and good quality of vision with glasses or contact lenses.

Monovision

Monovision adjusts the non-dominant eye for near vision and dominant eye for distance, offering good depth of focus. A contact lens trial is recommended before the procedure, as it’s not suitable for everyone.

Supracor Lasik

This is a Lasik laser eye surgery procedure where the cornea is purposefully made to be multifocal. As there is a period of adjustment and adaptation, only the non-dominant eye is treated. More information on Supracor Lasik.

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