Lens Implant surgery

Lens implant surgery (also referred to as Refractive Lens Surgery) replaces the natural lens of the eye with a specially engineered artificial lens in order to improve vision.

Advances in technology allow the artificial lens to be precisely tailored to your specific prescription, correcting your vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Lens implant surgery is life-changing for many people, with their newly improved vision often opening up new opportunities and increased freedom for them.

Who is lens implant surgery for?

The lens inside your eye changes naturally over the course of a lifetime. While some people may not experience much change in their eyesight as they age, others can experience quite a marked decline. This impacts upon their ability to take part in regular activities such as reading or driving. It can be quite unsettling for many people to experience changes in their vision, and often leads to a loss of self-confidence.

The benefits

Lens implants offer long-term vision stability.

While many people who wear glasses or contact lenses find their prescription changing over time (often necessitating the purchase of yet another pair of expensive glasses!), after lens implant surgery you should not expect to experience any significant changes in your eyesight over time. It is also not possible to develop cataracts if you have had lens implant surgery.

You may want to consider lens implant surgery if you have a particularly high prescription or if you require glasses for both distance and near vision.

Unlike laser surgery, which has certain limitations around how it can be used, lens implant surgery can be used in many different situations. Bespoke lenses can be specially manufactured if you have a particularly complex prescription, and lens surgery may be suitable for you even where laser surgery isn’t an option.

Generally speaking, the procedure is not suitable for patients under the age of around 50 (although there are exceptions), nor is it recommended for those with only a slight degree of spectacle error.

Need help deciding?

If you are considering lens implant surgery, why not arrange a consultation with me to talk through your options? I will be able to explain more about the surgery, carry out a thorough eye examination to determine your suitability and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Should you decide not to have surgery, that is absolutely fine. The decision about whether to have surgery or not is always yours to make, and there is never any pressure put on you. I am always very happy to talk with people about their options so that they are able to make an informed decision about whether to have surgery or not.

About the surgery

Lens implant surgery is one of the safest operations in the world, and I use only the latest technology and implants to ensure the highest quality of treatment.

It is also a quick procedure, normally taking around 15 minutes or so. During the surgery, I make a tiny incision into the eye to remove the natural lens. An artificial lens is then precisely positioned in its place. Modern technology has made it possible for us to be incredibly specific in choosing the correct artificial lens to give you the very best eyesight.

The aim is always to get as good an outcome as possible, but it’s important to mention that there is a degree of variation between individuals, and there is a small risk of complications and needing further treatment. Most people find their unaided vision is significantly improved after surgery, but there may still be a small spectacle error present. I will talk through these issues in detail with you well in advance of any surgery but thought it sensible to mention them here.

Lens implant surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you should be able to return home after a few hours. You will need a friend or family member to accompany you, as it will take time for your vision to readjust. As a result, you should not drive home yourself.

Life-changing surgery

I have seen many people's lives transformed by lens implant surgery as they experience an increased range and greater clarity of vision. As your eye doctor, I am committed to making sure lens implant surgery gives you the best vision possible.

Having been a specialist eye surgeon for more than 25 years, and with many thousands of successful procedures carried out, you can be assured that your care will be of the very highest standard.

To learn more about lens implant surgery, or to arrange to see me for a consultation at Sulis Hospital Bath, please contact my PA (Nicky) on 01761 422265. She will be delighted to book a consultation at a time that is most convenient for you.