Find answers to commonly asked questions about lens replacement surgery
If you need further information, or if you can’t find the answer to your question, please get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lens Replacement Surgery a permanent fix?
Unlike glasses that need to be changed every 2-3 years at great expense, intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed as a permanent fix, meaning you will not need to have these changed for the remainder of your life. Successful surgery results in not requiring any glasses at all after the rehabilitation period.
Of course the permanent success of the procedure is dependent upon the suitability of the candidate in the first instance and if there are any pre-existing eye conditions which may affect the final visual outcome.
What is the difference between Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Replacement Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery usually refers to corneal refractive laser surgery (LASIK or PRK). This sort of laser surgery is usually reserved for younger patients with myopia (shortsightness), astigmatism or both. It is not recommended once you are over 40 years of age and have Presbyopia.
Lens Replacement Surgery may or may not be performed using lasers. Most commonly Lens Replacement Surgery is done with the aid of ultrasound power (phacoemulsification) which is the most common technique used in cataract surgery. Occasionally this surgery may be performed with the aid of femtosecond laser.
Am I a suitable candidate for Lens Replacement Surgery?
Prime candidates for Lens Replacement Surgery are:
- Over 40 Years Old
- Wear Reading Glasses
- Long sighted with bi-focals
- Have Presbyopia
- Have Astigmatism
Further, a range of vision disorders can be addressed with Lens Replacement Surgery including:
- Pre-existing Hyperopia
- Pre-existing Myopia
- Astigmatism
- Pre-existing Corneal Problems
- Pre-existing Laser Surgery
Patients with pre-existing Glaucoma are usually suitable for Lens Replacement Surgery. Furthermore this type of surgery allows for the use of an implanted device called an iStent which may in fact help with the treatment of Glaucoma.
Patients with pre-existing retinal conditions will need to be thoroughly assessed for suitablity of Lens Replacement Surgery.
You can find detailed information about suitable candidates here
What are the costs of Lens Replacement Surgery?
The price for lens replacement surgery will not exceed $5000 per eye, but often less.
Dependent factors:
- Surgeons fee
- Private hospital facility fee
- Replacement intraocular lens (IOL)
There are no further or hidden fees. There are multiple factors however which may reduce the final price including:
- Private health insurance rebates
- Pre-existing eye conditions especially cataract
What are the common symptoms of Presbyopia?
The common symptoms of Presbyopia are:
- Eyestrain or headaches after reading or doing close work
- Difficulty reading small print
- Fatigue from doing close work
- Needing brighter lighting when reading
- Holding reading material at an arm’s distance to focus
- Squinting
Does Lens Replacement Surgery negate the need for Cataract Surgery in the future?
Yes, Lens Replacement Surgery does negate the need for cataract surgery in the future.
Is Lens Replacement Surgery performed in a single day?
Only one eye is operated on initially and the second has the same procedure at least 4 weeks after.
Downtime following surgery is minimal, usually 2 – 3 days after each surgery.
How Successful is Lens Replacement Surgery?
- 95% of people can pass an eye test to the driving standard without needing glasses
- 90% won’t need glasses or contact lenses for any activities.
- Some people may still occasionally need reading glasses, for example for extended reading periods, looking at very small print or in poor lighting.
Are there different Lens Replacement Surgery implant options?
There are different types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) implanted according to your visual needs:
- Trifocal – No glasses needed at all after surgery for any distance.
- Extended Depth Of Focus (EDOF) Bifocal – Weak glasses may be required for reading only.
- Monofocal (Distance only) – Reading glasses will still be required.
- Toric (Astigmatism correction)
For specific IOL options click here