Refractive & Clear Lens Exchange

Lens exchange surgery is beneficial for patients who need a cataract lens replaced, or who have one of a range of common refractive conditions.

Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Hyperopia is a focusing disorder of the eye in which the eye does not bend or ‘refract’ light properly to a single focus to see images clearly. The result can be that distant objects can be seen clearly while near objects appear more blurred.

Nearsightedness (myopia)

Like Hyperopia, Myopia is a focusing disorder in which incoming light is not properly refracted to the correct part of the eye, resulting in out-of-focus vision. With Myopia, nearby objects may be seen clearly, or mostly clearly, but objects at a distance are increasingly blurred and difficult to make out.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a form of distorted vision which results from the patient’s eye having an irregularly curved cornea. As with Myopia and Hyperopia, the incoming light is not properly focused on the correct point at the back of the eye, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural condition which results from the normal aging process. As the eye gets older its lens loses flexibility and cannot focus as well on near objects.

The types of lens used in replacement surgery can, for suitable patients, improve the eye vision and reduce dependency on spectacles post-operatively. Options available include:

Multifocal, premium lens

A multifocal lens can help provide excellent vision at all distances, under all lighting conditions – day and night.

Monofocal lens

A monofocal lens has a fixed focus length, meaning that spectacles will typically still be required for near vision.

Toric lens

A toric lens has an uneven surface, and is used to correct astigmatism.

• 9 out of 10 patients enjoy increased independence from spectacles following lens exchange surgery
• Lens exchange can lead to improved vision for people following cataract and age-related refractive conditions
• At The Edinburgh Clinic, patient counselling is provided to help you with the transition to clear lens-enhanced vision

• This type of procedure is only available for some people – suitable patients are selected for lens exchange surgery after an initial consultation
• While most patients do experience a great deal of spectacle independence following lens exchange, it is not guaranteed, with around 1 in 10 patients not benefiting in this way
• Patients may find that spectacles are still required for close reading
• Some patients may experience an increased risk of glare when driving at night

You can be referred to this service by your GP or optometrist. Once referred, your specialist consultant ophthalmic surgeon can discuss lens exchange options along with related refractive conditions and cataracts.

How much does lens exchange surgery cost?

Prices vary depending on patient need, starting at £2,695 – more detailed information is available on our guide price list.