Lens replacement surgery is a medical procedure in which your natural lens is substituted for artificial ones to enable you to see clearer. It is a treatment commonly done by those who suffer from myopia or hyperopia.
It is also possible to get a lens replacement while a cataract surgery is being performed. A cataract is a form of visual impairment that doesn’t allow your vision to be clear or focused. During the surgery, the hazy and unclear lens is removed and is replaced with a new, clear artificial lens. Here are some surprising facts about lens replacement surgery
- Lens replacement surgery is beneficial for more than Cataracts
A major advantage of the lens replacement surgical procedure is that the problem of cataract can be solved. However, it is not only those with cataract who gain from this procedure. Lens replacement can be used to treat a variety of optical problems. Some of the people who gain from the major benefits of lens replacement surgery include:
- Middle-aged people developing presbyopia as a result of the ageing process.
- People with hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness).
- People with visual impairments either as a result of an accident or hereditary condition.
- Astigmatism patients whose sight are blurred due to the cornea’s aberrant shape can also gain from a lens surgery.
- There are 4 distinct types of lens replacement
Artificial lenses are used to replace natural ones during a lens replacement surgery. They are also called intraocular lens (IOL), and they contain acrylic or silicone properties. Here are four types:
- Monofocal Intraocular lens: It is a common type of IOL that helps to improve distance focus. You might still require reading glasses for viewing close objects.
- Trifocal Intraocular lens: It allows you to view objects at various distances. It may take some time for your brain to get used to it.
- Toric Intraocular lens: This is the ideal type of lens for astigmatic patients. It reduces the impact of astigmatism, thus eliminating the need to wear corrective glasses for it.
- Accommodating IOL: This type of lens is flexible and gives you the ability to focus on objects at different distances.
- Lens replacement surgery is one of the safest medical procedures.
People often get anxious before their eye surgery, and that is alright. Safety is often one major issue of concern because lens replacement is more invasive than cataract surgery, and that increases its risk. However, this procedure still remains one of the safest medical procedures. Complications rarely arise, and they can be treated almost immediately when they do.
- There is no specific age
There are no specific candidates for lens replacement surgery as it can be done for anyone, old or young. People above 50 are also suitable for it.
Although, there is no age limit on lens replacement, it is advisable to discuss this with your surgeon as each patient is unique in eye condition and severity.
- Lens Replacement Surgery is somewhat painless.
The procedure is not painful because the surgeon gives you anaesthesia to numb your eyes. If you still feel anxious about the surgery, ask your doctor for a medicine that can help you relax during the procedure. You may feel some mild discomfort like soreness, itching, dryness or redness after the surgery, but they will be gone in no time.
- Lens replacement is a fast procedure
The whole procedure takes about 10 minutes, and you are done. Some people get back to work right after the surgery but not everyone. While recovering, you will be required to take antibiotics and steroid eye drop to facilitate the healing process and reduce discomfort. Within a few weeks after treatment, your vision will improve.
Lens surgery is an ideal way of improving your eyesight and lessening your dependency on glasses. You can contact your nearest clinic to know the original cost of lens replacement surgery.
For further information on this procedure, you can visit www.optimalvision.co.uk to book a free consultation.