Refractive lens replacement
Did you know that you can see well at any distance, regardless of age?
Visual defect correction for all distances simultaneously
No future cataracts
No corrective glasses for the rest of your life
Quality of life improvement
UV light protection thanks to blue light filters
How to decide if this treatment is for you?
If the visual defect does not permit correction through laser surgery, and the patient is over 40-45 years old, the refractive lens replacement may be for you. With this method we can remove any number of diopters.
The treatment will benefit patients wishing to get rid of their glasses, currently afflicted with:
- Hyperopia
- Myopia
- Astigmatism
People with presbyopia, who must use reading glasses, most commonly qualify.
In cases where early cataract changes begin to form such as lens cloudiness, or presbyopia has already appeared, the preferred method of treatment is refractive lens replacement.
Lens types
With refractive lens replacement, we use multifocal, or toric multifocal implants. Thanks to that, our patients can permanently cease using corrective glasses. Using advanced, intraocular lenses, we are able to correct any amount of diopters, allowing the patient acute vision at any distance: close, far, and middling.
Multifocal intraocular lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses correct vision in multiple focal points. They return to the patient a full range of vision: far, close, and middling, though they do not correct astigmatism.
The lenses are additionally equipped with a yellow filter* which removes blue light, and have an aspheric shape* – improving the quality of imitated images.
Toric Multifocal intraocular lenses
Toric multifocal intraocular lenses possess the same benefits of multifocal lenses, however due to their toric shape they are designed for patients struggling with astigmatism. People who have struggled in the past with an acceptance of cylindrical correction in glasses can choose a toric implant without worries, as their effect is immediate, and permanent. After the treatment, you receive excellent visual acuity. The lenses are also equipped with a yellow filter which removes blue light, and have an aspheric shape.
* Yellow filter
It is designed to filter out blue light, the excess of which has a negative impact on the retinal pigment epithelium and can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its filtering properties are equivalent to a natural lens of a 30-year-old person.
* Aspheric lens
The reduction of spherical aberrations allow for a much better visual contrast, especially during unfavourable lighting conditions: fog, autumn grey, at night, in sudden illumination (e.g. car lights coming in from the opposite direction).
AcrySof® IQ Vivity ™
This highly advanced intraocular lens possesses an increased depth of field and a wide field of view. It’s constructed from a hydrophobic material (AcrySof®), a UV filter, and a blue light filter, which protect the eyes from dangerous radiation.
The Vivity™ lens belongs to the EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lens category. This puts it in between multifocal lenses which offer a wide field of view, and monofocal lenses usually used for depth of vision.
Having gone through the procedure of implanting Vivity™ lenses, patients experience a wider field of view – starting with long distance viewing, through middle distances, to functional up-close vision.
An additional benefit is a lack of effects such as flashes, or the halo effect.
The aspherical shape of the IOL AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ lens allows for a better quality of imaging. Slightly raised, mildly convex surface is divided into two areas, ensuring a wider focusing range.
AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ IOL is the ideal solution for:
- Patients who do not qualify for a multifocal lens implant but wish to rid themselves of limitations which come with using corrective glasses, and want to achieve better, functional vision than that which comes with monofocal lenses.
- Drivers wanting to avoid the risk of unwanted light phenomena after dark.
- People spending many hours in front of a computer screen, for whom near vision is important.
- For all those who wish to achieve a better contrast compared to monofocal lenses.
How does the treatment work?
Refractive lens replacement works by removing the patient’s natural lens, and implanting in its place a modern intraocular implant, of a strength regulated to suit the patient. This procedure is closely related to the cataract operation, in which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one. In the case of the refractive lens replacement, we remove the patient’s original clear lens, and the advanced implant changes the optical strength and corrects the visual defect.
Having chosen the correct lens, individually selected to suit the patient’s needs, the term of the procedure is set. It takes place under local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. During the procedure, the patient remains under the care of medical personnel, and remains in constant contact with the surgeon.
The procedure is performed with local eyedrop anesthetic and is completely painless. During the procedure the patient remains in constant contact with medical personnel and is fully aware of their surroundings. Artificial lenses are made from a biocompatible material tolerated by eye tissue. The implanted lenses absorb UV radiation and minimalise glare. Complications of refractive eye surgery are currently very rare and bear a relatively low operational risk due to the local anesthetic used.
Preparation for the artificial lens implantation procedure
Prior to the refractive lens replacement procedure, the patient must undergo a specialist qualifying examination, which helps identify the type and degree of eye affliction. Based on this examination, the doctor selects the appropriate power and type of lens. Beyond the ophthalmic examination, it is recommended to perform laboratory tests, which include blood type, CBC (complete blood count), coagulation system.
Due to the procedure being performed under local anesthetic, only the patient’s serious condition is a contraindication to perform the implantation.
The patient’s condition following intraocular lens implantation
Recuperation following the treatment does not take long, and after only a few weeks can you return to normal function, as well as all your favorite activities. That said, you should keep in mind that the process is highly individual, and every patient will experience it differently.
Below are the most important issues which must be adhered to during the recuperation period:
- Observe the control check-up calendar and all doctor recommendations, especially those regarding eyedrop use
- In the 4-week period following the procedure, avoid rapid head movement up and down, do not lift heavy objects, and limit physical exercise. When putting on shoes do not bend over, but instead use a stool.
- Do not squint, close eyelids tightly, or rub your eyes.
- In the 2-week period following the procedure, avoid independently washing your head, to secure your eyes from coming in contact with foam.
- Remember to use sunglasses when leaving the house. They protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation, as well as wind.
Refractive lens replacement
Qualifying examination
290 PLN
Procedure cost
from 7300 PLN