long and short sight
... can be treated with lens replacement surgery. This is identical to cataract surgery but before the onset of cataracts
it is also called refractive lens exchange or natural lens replacement
why have this done?
people are often familiar with 'laser eye surgery' in order not to wear glasses. the aim of lens replacement surgery is to not wear glasses also, or wear glasses less often
you may find that you depend on glasses more now than you used to
you may be wearing contact lenses then reading glasses on top
you may break of lose your glasses often
you may have several pairs of glasses or find that you keep updating them
some people are happy if they only need reading glasses
some people prefer to read without glasses and only wear driving glasses
and some people just don't want any glasses at all!
can I have laser eye surgery instead?
typically, laser eye surgery or Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is used in younger patients who can still focus their eyes up close and in the distance
there are some LVC options that allow you to see in the distance and up close without glasses you already wear reading glasses, you may be better suited to lens replacement surgery
many of us will get a cataract as we get older, so some patients prefer to 'get ahead'
if you have lens replacement surgery, you cannot develop a cataract later on
If you have LVC, you may well develop a cataract later
a refractive lens exchange assessment consists of
- asking you questions about you and your health, including details of any medications that you make be taking and allergies
- a complete examination of your eyes
- measurements of your eyes. This is different to what your optician does and is essential to plan your surgery.
- options, including consent for the procedure, type of anaesthetic, information leaflets and health questionnaires
click on the buttons below to download information leaflets on various treatments