Lens replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that only takes 20 minutes. With time to prepare you for surgery and to monitor your eyes afterwards, your entire trip to the clinic will only last a few hours.
The procedure is carried out using local anaesthetic, so you will be awake, but your eyes will be completely numb. A tiny incision is made in the eye and ultrasound is used to break up the lens – this allows it to be removed safely without damaging the eye. The artificial IOL is then inserted in place of the natural lens.
What to expect during your RLE surgery?
Step 1: Visiting the Clinic
A visit to one of our clinics may take up to three hours, while the procedure itself only lasts 20 minutes. When you arrive at the clinic, our team will welcome you at reception. We’ll do our best to help you feel at ease.
Step 2: A Simple Examination
A nurse will go through a simple examination to confirm you are ready for surgery. They will then apply a local anaesthetic using eye drops. This may cause irritation for a few moments, but shortly afterwards there will be no sensation.
Step 3: Surgeon Consultation & Consent Review
Your Regency Eye surgeon will come to meet you to go through the consent form that confirms you are happy to go ahead and ask any questions about the surgery.
Step 4: Pre-Surgery Preparations
You will be taken through to the operating theatre where your surgeon and the theatre team will meet you. You’ll be asked to recline on your back on a specially designed operating table and to get as comfortable as possible. Then, a sterile drape will be placed over you with a small area removed to expose your eye.
Step 5: Eye Surgery Procedure
Your surgeon will place a bright light and microscope above your eye to carry out the procedure. During the surgery you will have to lie as still as possible for up to 20 minutes – you will not be able to see the instrument because of the eye drops. You don’t need to worry about blinking because a small clip is used to keep the eyelid in place.
