Refractive lens exchange (lensectomy) is an effective way to relieve myopia, hyperopia, and high astigmatism.
How does lens exchange affect my visual acuity?
The refractive system of the human eye consists of the cornea, the lens, and the vitreous body. Usually, when light passes through these media and is refracted, the light rays are focused on the retina and we see a clear image. If it doesn’t, we are talking about refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. To get a good vision, the refracting power must be changed to focus the rays precisely on the retina. And while laser correction improves vision by changing the refracting power of the cornea (the main “lens” of the eye), then the refractive lens exchange involves altering the crystalline lens, which is the second most powerful lens.
General information
The refracting power of the cornea is typically 41 diopters and the lens is 19 diopters.
Who is eligible for refractive lens exchange?
Refractive lens exchange is aimed at correcting myopia, hyperopia, and high astigmatism. As a rule, this method is recommended for people between 45 and 50, when age-related changes in the organism result in the loss of the eye’s natural accommodation ability. The crystalline lens and the muscles holding it in place lose elasticity and therefore, the ability to focus on the near distance. Thus, in addition to existing refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, a person develops age-related hyperopia (presbyopia). Refractive lens exchange ensures good vision at both far and near distances.
Refractive lens exchange allows correcting:
- Myopia of -20 diopters;
- Hyperopia of +20 diopters;
- Astigmatism from 6 diopters.
Refractive Lens Exchange at Eximer Ophthalmology Clinic
Refractive lens exchange implies the removal of a clear crystalline lens and the simultaneous implantation of an artificial lens (intraocular lens) of the desired optical power.
At Eximer Ophthalmology Clinic, such an intervention is performed using the modern seamless ultrasound phacoemulsification technique. The natural lens is emulsified and removed from the eye through a 1.8 mm micro-access, and an artificial lens with the necessary optical characteristics is implanted in its place.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange at Eximer Ophthalmology Clinic
- A unique opportunity to get a good vision in 10-15 minutes for people with high myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- No hospitalization is needed. The procedure is performed in a single day, and the patient can go home the same day.
- Restrictions after the intervention are minimal and mostly concern hygienic procedures.
- Eximer Ophthalmology Clinic offers a wide range of artificial lenses from the world’s leading manufacturers.
- The parameters of the intraocular lens are precisely estimated following a thorough diagnostic examination.
- Refractive lens exchange secures against such a common age-related disease as cataract or clouding of the natural crystalline lens (an artificial lens cannot get blurred).
- The intervention is carried out with unique microsurgical equipment in compliance with all world standards.
The surgeries are performed by top-class eye surgeons with great experience in ultrasonic phacoemulsification. This method was first used in Ukraine 16 years ago at Eximer Ophthalmology Clinic.
Outcome of Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange allows correcting high myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism and obtaining good vision without using glasses or contact lenses at far or near distances.
