Refractive lens exchange (RLE) / lens replacement surgery – key information and treatment abroad

Refractive lens exchange, or as commonly referred to “lens replacement surgery”, is a very popular eye surgery, usually performed at individuals that are 40 – 45 years old and above, who wish to eliminate the need to wear glasses or lenses. Lens replacement surgery helps patients with short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism and cataract.

In essence, the natural lens within the eye is replaced with a high-quality synthetic lens to correct the patient’s vision. Through lens replacement surgery, patients can correct long, middle and reading distance vision issues, depending on the type of lens chosen, and suited to their needs.

There are 5 type of lenses that are available for patients:

Monofocal – the implanted lens focuses on correcting one vision imperfection, which is normally for long-distance. Sometimes patients still require reading glasses for be able to read small print.

Multifocal – the implanted lens focuses on correcting multiple vision imperfections, which is normally for reading, intermediate and long distance. Although these lenses normally take away the need for glasses completely, some patients do experience glares and halos, which are key considerations for all patients.

Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) – the implanted lens has only one corrective zone. But this zone is stretched to allow distance and intermediate vision.

Accommodative – the implanted lens can correct vision at all distances. The lens uses the natural movements of your eye’s muscles to change focus.

Toric – the implanted lens has extra built-in correction for astigmatism. 

So, is lens replacement surgery abroad a good idea? As with every operation, careful research and analysis needs to take place by all patients, before they decide to proceed with any treatment abroad. For lens replacement surgery, although it’s been characterised as a rather safe and quick operation, it requires a very experienced eye surgeon, in combination with a good understanding of the different options on lenses, and life after surgery. Lens replacement abroad could be as successful and effective as if you were doing it in countries like the UK or the US, but making sure patients find the right clinic and surgeon is fundamental in having a successful outcome. Moreover, the artificial lenses now produced by big companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and Alcon, are generally offered across the globe by reputable clinics. Therefore, when patients are aware of the pros & cons of each lens, understand their current requirements and expectations from the operation, the last important step is to identify and select a trustworthy clinic and surgeon to help them with lens replacement surgery.