Your first consultation will allow our expert to ask questions, take time to get to know your vision, and outline the options that are available to you. We know it can be nerve-racking, and we’re here to help and put you at ease all the way.
Lens replacement surgery enables you to permanently improve your vision, reducing or erasing the need for glasses and contact lenses.
The eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Lens replacement surgery corrects vision to reduce the need for contact lenses and glasses. The procedure works in the same way as cataract surgery. The difference is that cataract surgery aims to treat reduced vision caused by cloudiness in the eye’s lens.
The procedure is carried out using local anaesthetic, so you will be awake, but your eyes will be completely numb. A tiny incision is made in the eye and ultrasound is used to break up the lens – this allows it to be removed safely without damaging the eye. The artificial IOL is then inserted in place of the natural lens.
A visit to one of our clinics may take up to three hours, while the procedure itself only lasts 20 minutes. When you arrive at the clinic, our team will welcome you at reception. We'll do our best to help you feel at ease.
A nurse will go through a simple examination to confirm you are ready for surgery. They will then apply a local anaesthetic using eye drops. This may cause irritation for a few moments, but shortly afterwards there will be no sensation.
Your Regency Eye surgeon will come to meet you to go through the consent form that confirms you are happy to go ahead and ask any questions about the surgery.
You will be taken through to the operating theatre where your surgeon and the theatre team will meet you. You’ll be asked to recline on your back on a specially designed operating table and to get as comfortable as possible. Then, a sterile drape will be placed over you with a small area removed to expose your eye.
Your surgeon will place a bright light and microscope above your eye to carry out the procedure. During the surgery you will have to lie as still as possible for up to 20 minutes – you will not be able to see the instrument because of the eye drops. You don’t need to worry about blinking because a small clip is used to keep the eyelid in place.
Monofocal lenses provide vision correction at a single distance, meaning they can create exceptional far or near vision. This will limit your need for glasses to a single set of activities. Many people opt for distance monofocal lenses and continue to wear glasses for reading.
Toric lenses are uniquely designed to counteract the effects of astigmatism. For those with astigmatism, you can reduce the need to wear glasses. Most lenses come with a toric alternative, allowing for patients to create different kinds of vision with the help of a precise assessment.
Your brain and eyes need to learn to start working together to make the most of your improved vision. You won’t be able to feel the new lens. It’ll feel exactly the same as before, but with the benefit of being able to see better!
We recommend against make-up for two weeks after surgery. When you do go back to it, apply it gently and be kind to your eyes.
Close and rest your eyes whenever possible. The more rest they get, the more effectively they will heal.
Protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses when you go outside.
Protect your eyes from areas that are dusty and smoky. Ask someone else to complete the housework.
Try not to get water in your eyes, in particular avoiding swimming.
