Refractive Lens Exchange

Avoid the need to wear glasses

Refractive Lens Exchange can be used to correct a multitude of refractive issues. This can include patients who wear multifocal, distance and reading glasses or who wish to eliminate the need for glasses altogether.

A Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as a Clear Lens Exchange, is an almost identical procedure to cataract surgery. It replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens to correct vision (e.g. short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism).

A Refractive Lens Exchange is generally not performed on people under 45. Instead, Laser Eye Surgery is usually used on younger patients as the lens of the eye in younger people is often better than any artificial lenses on the market.

Why should I consider a Refractive Lens Exchange?

To put it simply, if you are over 50, Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery can allow you to live glasses free if laser eye surgery is no longer an option. Laser eye surgery relates to changes made to the cornea, however as you age, changes to the cornea can no longer correct vision as effectively as the issue is related instead to the natural lens of the eye.

Two main things happen to the lens in your eyes due to age. Firstly, the lens becomes stiffer, making it difficult to focus on close objects (known as Presbyopia). Secondly, the lens become progressively clouded (known as Cataracts).

These changes to your lens are inevitable, yet happen at different times for each individual. Presbyopia can begin from age 50, with cataracts usually occurring after 60 years of age. By getting your lens replaced early, due to Presbyopia, you also avoid the need for cataract surgery later in life. This can also allow you to enjoy clear vision for longer, often without any need for glasses.

Is a Refractive Lens Exchange covered by Medicare?

Despite being the same procedure as cataract surgery, a Refractive Lens Exchange is not covered by Medicare. It is viewed as a cosmetic procedure even though it is an early and proactive step to avoid cataracts and a reliance on glasses in the future.

Refractive Lens Exchange with Envision Eye Centre

Envision Eye Centre uses the latest technology to properly assess your eye structure to achieve the best visual outcomes possible. We also provide the latest in premium Intraocular lenses which can provide both near, medium and vision and distance vision. Lastly, we offer a laser-assisted surgery procedure to replace your lens which can provide more accurate procedure with less chance of infection.

Replacement Lens Options

The replacement lens, known as an IntraOcular Lens (IOL) are a made of a soft, flexible plastic. Premium lenses perform a range of functions to help avoid the need for wearing glasses after surgery. The range of lenses include:

Monofocal - Also known as standard lenses, monofocal lenses are only able to be set for either near or distance vision so glasses will be needed after surgery for completing certain tasks.
Bifocal/Multifocal - These lenses allow two ranges of vision, usually near and far vision. However, medium range distance, such as computer work may still require glasses.
Trifocal - The latest in lens technology. Trifocal support near, medium and distance vision and are often the best lenses to avoid needed glasses after surgery.
Toric lenses - Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism. Glasses may still be required following surgery for near vision.

Premium IntraOcular lenses we use at Envison Eye Centre

Expected vision results at Envision Eye Centre

Envision Eye Centre is proud of our results following Cataract and Refractive Lens Exchange procedures.

Visual outcomes with Envision Eye Centre

Refractive outcomes with Envision Eye Centre

Book an Appointment for Refractive Lens Exchange

If you want to book a consultation for a Refractive Lens Exchange and avoid wearing glasses, please complete the form below and one of our helpful team will get in contact to book you in for an appointment.