Lens replacement surgery2024-07-10T08:32:41+00:00

Restore clear vision and ditch reading glasses with lens replacement surgery in Cape Town

Explore how this life-changing procedure can revitalise your vision and eliminate the need for reading glasses

Restore clear vision and ditch reading glasses with lens replacement surgery in Cape Town

Explore how this life-changing procedure can revitalise your vision and eliminate the need for reading glasses

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Discover lens replacement surgery: Your FAQs answered

Quickly discover how this revolutionary eye treatment can give you visual freedom in moments

Lens replacement suitability criteria

Lens replacement surgery, also called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), could be right for you if you want clear vision without glasses, like when you were younger.

Here’s why it might be a good option:

  • If laser eye surgery isn’t suitable for you but you still want clear vision.
  • If your glasses prescription is too strong for laser surgery to correct.
  • If your vision is changing due to ageing.
  • If your eyes are healthy with no serious issues like glaucoma.
  • If you want to prevent cataracts in the future.
  • During this procedure, we replace your eye’s natural lens with a new one that improves your vision. It’s important to consult an eye doctor to decide if lens replacement is right for you.

Lens replacement surgery works by removing your eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. This new lens is tailored to correct your vision, similar to how prescription glasses or contact lenses work. The surgery is typically quick and painless, performed under local anaesthesia. After the procedure, most patients experience improved vision without the need for glasses or contacts, allowing them to see clearly at various distances depending on the type of lens chosen.

Advantages of lens replacement surgery:

  • Comprehensive solution: Lens replacement addresses various eye conditions including presbyopia and severe farsightedness.
    Multifaceted benefits: Lens replacement helps with cataracts, astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, corneal problems, and dry eyes.
  • Reduced reliance on glasses: It minimises the need for glasses or contact lenses, easing headaches and eye strain.
  • Alternative option: Lens replacement is suitable for those unsuitable for other eye surgeries.
  • Improved eye health: It enhances overall eye health and lowers the risk of infections.
  • Personalised improvements: Depending on individual eye conditions, patients can expect varied but positive outcomes.

Disadvantages:

  • Risk of retinal detachment: Nearsighted individuals face a higher risk of retinal detachment post-surgery.
  • Potential need for additional surgery: Some patients may require further procedures to achieve optimal results.
  • Higher cost: Lens replacement surgery tends to be more expensive than LASIK and other common eye surgeries, which may limit accessibility for some.

Lens replacement surgery is a bigger operation with more risks compared to other ways of fixing your eyes. However, if you have a serious eye problem and want to rely less on glasses or contact lenses, this surgery might still be worth it.

Here are some risks and problems that could happen with lens replacement:

  • The retina at the back of your eye could detach, especially if you are very nearsighted.
  • The new lens might move out of place.
  • The pressure in your eye could increase.
  • There might be an infection or bleeding inside your eye.
  • Your eyelid might droop.
  • You might see glare, halos, or blurry vision if you get a special kind of new lens called multifocal IOLs.

If lens replacement isn’t suitable for you, there are other options to improve your vision:

For seeing far away, up close, or correcting astigmatism, PRK, LASIK, or ICL might be considered. Keep in mind, after age 40, reading glasses may still be necessary.

Treatments like Presbyond, PresbyMAX, or laser blended vision can help with reading vision. However, a touch-up might be needed within 10 years.

When considering lens replacement, there are different types of new lenses (IOLs) available:

  • Monofocal fixed-focus IOLs: These lenses help you see clearly at one distance—either far, middle, or near.
  • Toric IOLs are a special type for astigmatism.
  • Multifocal IOLs: These lenses improve vision at many distances.
  • Accommodating IOLs: This lens can adjust within your eye to aid vision at different distances. It’s a unique type of monofocal lens.

Each lens option has its own advantages, and the best choice for you depends on your vision needs and eye health.

Lens replacement surgery is a brief procedure, typically taking about 15 minutes per eye. Each eye is treated separately, usually with a week between surgeries.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: A small incision is made where the white part of your eye meets the clear front (cornea).

Step 2: A tiny circular opening is created in the thin, bag-like covering of the lens (called the lens capsule).

Step 3: The natural lens is gently fragmented into small pieces and removed from the eye, a process known as lens extraction.

Step 4: A new lens is then placed into the same capsule where the old lens was. The new lens is chosen carefully to improve your vision based on your specific needs.

After lens replacement surgery, your vision becomes clearer. This surgery removes the blurriness you used to see.

You might not need your reading glasses or bifocals anymore, which is a big benefit. Now you can read, sew, or use your phone without always needing glasses.

Going out with friends, watching movies, or taking walks becomes easier and more enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about forgetting your glasses at home.

In simple words, this surgery lets you do the things you love with clear vision again. It’s like going back to a time when seeing clearly wasn’t a problem.

Find out if you can turn back time on your eyes and bid farewell to reading glasses

Seize the chance to live freely and confidently without the burden of reading glasses. It’s time to recapture your youthful sight and elevate your life experience.

Find out if you can turn back time on your eyes and bid farewell to reading glasses

Seize the chance to live freely and confidently without the burden of reading glasses. It’s time to recapture your youthful sight and elevate your life experience.

Find clarity beyond reading glasses in 3 simple steps

Exploring options to transcend the need for reading glasses can feel daunting. We’ve streamlined your path to clear vision, making it straightforward and supportive

GET IN TOUCH

Unsure if you can move past the need for reading glasses? The adventure to clearer vision begins with an understanding of your possibilities. Reach out to our welcoming team via phone on +27 79 686 6565 or easily schedule your free video call. It’s your pivotal first step towards exploring your options.

WE’LL MEET

At your appointment, we’ll dive into the specifics of your vision challenges and lifestyle preferences. Receive comprehensive answers to your questions and obtain a bespoke recommendation for your vision correction. Leave our clinic with a clear vision of the road ahead, equipped with the knowledge to make an empowered decision.

ENJOY FREEDOM

Our patients frequently share their astonishment at the swift and profound impact of their treatment on their daily lives. The joy of effortlessly reading a menu, texting on the phone, or glancing at the dashboard without reaching for glasses is a common refrain. Many reflect on their decision with a wish they had taken this step earlier, celebrating the youthful vitality regained.

Countless success stories: Breaking free from glasses and contacts

Learn how you can ditch your dependence as well with laser eye surgery in Cape Town

We answer your questions about vision correction treatment in Cape Town

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about restoring your vision

Discover your path back to glasses-free reading

Unlock the ideal surgery option tailored to your age and lifestyle. Learn what it takes to qualify and dive into our quick quiz on ageing eyes to see if you can turn the page without your specs.

Discover your path back to glasses-free reading

Unlock the ideal surgery option tailored to your age and lifestyle. Learn what it takes to qualify and dive into our quick quiz on ageing eyes to see if you can turn the page without your specs.

Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan

I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.

With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.

Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.

My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.

Dr Daemon McClunan

MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)

Hi, I’m James Beatty

I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.

As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.

With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.

Dr James Beatty

MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth

How to find us in Cape Town
How to reach us

Dr James Beatty

Dr Daemon McClunan

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