Lens Exchange surgery

The Procedure

In Lens Exchange the natural lens of the eye is removed using a surgical procedure called "Phacoemulsification". A tiny plastic artificial lens, called the Lens Implant is then placed into the eye. The optical power of this Lens Implant is chosen so as to give the eye the desired focus. The natural lens of the eye is thus "exchanged" for an artificial lens.

Precisely the same technique is used for modern small incision cataract surgery. It is therefore a tried, tested and frequently used procedure.

About Phacoemulsification

Phaco or Phako means lens.

Emulsification means to turn a solid into an emulsion, i.e. break a solid into a fluid suspension.

In Phacoemulsification the relatively solid natural lens is fragmented, semi-liquified and aspirated from the eye. This technique offers the advantages of a small incision in the eye and a relatively rapid visual recovery following surgery. In routine cases the eye is usually fully recovered and the vision and focus stable after 2 to 3 weeks.

Once the natural lens has been removed the artificial lens (The Intra Ocular Lens Implant) is placed into the eye. This is usually made of a pliable plastic so that it may be folded and inserted through the small incision without having to enlarge the wound significantly. Once within the eye, the Lens Implant unfolds and manoeuvred into its correct position.

In most cases the operation is performed using only a local anaesthetic and is a day case procedure, i.e. no overnight stay in hospital is required. The surgery itself usually only takes about 15 minutes to perform but it can be longer than this.

Want to know more about the surgery? Then read our About The Operation Page.