Cataract Surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange

Cataract surgery is one of the most common forms of surgical procedures and involves the cloudy lens being removed and replaced with a new clear lens. The National Institute for Clinical Excellance (NICE) has produced guidance on cataract surgery which can be here.

One of the most common surgical procedures is cataract surgery, which removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a new clear lens. This is known as phacoemulsification. This keyhole microsurgery involves a tiny incision being made in the eye. An ultrasound probe is then inserted and the cloudy lens is broken up into fragments and removed from the eye. A new, clear lens is then inserted replacing the cloudy lens.

Refractive Lens Exchange

When the natural lens is removed to reduce spectacle dependence – so a clear lens is removed as opposed to a cloudy lens – and a new lens is inserted, it is known as refractive lens exchange.

Choice of intra-ocular lenses

With either procedure there are now an extensive range of lenses available to suit a variety of patient needs.  Mr Subramaniam is able to guide you through the options to ensure that the best replacement is used. To find out a little more about the different types of replacement lenses, click here.

What you need to know

Success rates for refractive surgery are excellent but as with all medical procedures there are risks. We’ll discuss with you all the potential risks when you come for your consultation. That’s when you’ll get a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the treatment so that you can make a fully informed decision before booking the procedure. More information from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, about refractive lens exchange, can be found here.