Everything you need to know about lens replacement surgery, how it can help correct your eyesight problems and provide a permanent solution to cataracts.

Vik Sharma, clinical director and cataract specialist at London Ophthalmology Centre answers your questions about lens replacement surgery and explains how it can better your quality of life.

Lead image: Getty Images

Q: What is lens replacement surgery?

A: It’s an advanced procedure used to treat cataract and correct a range of eye conditions. It’s one of the safest and most commonly performed operations worldwide. We use it to replace the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens that can improve your vision and clear clouding that can naturally build in them as you get older.

Q: What are the benefits of lens replacement surgery?

A: The surgery can remove cataracts, prevent the need for future cataract operations and correct myopia (short-sightedness), long-sightedness, double vision, and astigmatism. It’s a quick, simple and painless procedure with minimal recovery time and long-lasting, permanent results. The HD multi-focal intraocular lens implant (IOL) refocuses the light in the back of your retina, ensuring you’ll have clear vision at any distance, during any activity and you’ll no longer need to depend on glasses or contact lenses. The intraocular lens requires no upkeep or maintenance and will last forever.

The surgery can drastically improve people’s quality of life, help them regain their confidence and maintain their independence. It can not only improve your vision but restore your colour and depth perception. Many of us don’t notice our vision fading over time, because it’s so gradual, but our latest ultrasound and laser-assisted machines, allow us to offer innovative treatment to anyone looking to improve their vision and can help you make the most of the beautiful world around us.

Lens replacement surgery can treat cataracts and a wide range of other eye conditions. Credit: Getty Images

Q: Who qualifies for lens replacement surgery?

A: Anyone over the age of 45, that wants to improve their vision. It’s perfect for people that rely on bifocal, varifocal or reading spectacles. It’s an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery but offers better lifelong, lasting results.

You can also have the surgery if you’ve already had cataract surgery or a previous lens implant. We can fit a premium-quality HD lens over the top of the standard lens, to better your vision quality, and remove your dependency on glasses or contacts.

Q: How long does it take to recover from the surgery?

A: You can leave the hospital the same day and return to work within one to two days of the operation, depending on your job. It’s a quick, no-fuss ten-minute procedure for each eye and we perform the surgery under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel anything. As it’s a keyhole procedure, there are no marks or scarring.

Q: Why should you consider using a private service?

A: We provide premium and bespoke cataract and replacement lens surgery. We use only the best quality lens implants, that are designed to fit the exact measurements and curvature of your eye, ensuring your prescription is perfect. This quality of lens isn’t available on the NHS. Your surgeon will be an experienced cataract consultant who teaches surgery in London’s leading hospitals. Quote offer EYECAR and receive free return chauffeur car offer for glaucoma and cataract patients.

You’ll no longer need to rely on glasses or contact lenses. Credit: Getty Images

Opting to go private gives you full control of your operation time and date for convenience, you’ll avoid long wait times and get the surgery you need as soon as possible, to prevent your eyesight from worsening.

We’re a prestigious eye clinic run exclusively by specialist consultant surgeons, each holding a fellowship with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and are fully accredited on the specialist register for the UK General Medical Council.

Q: How can you know if lens replacement surgery is right for you?

A: A dedicated consultant will meet with you to discuss your treatment and conduct a thorough eye exam to assess the condition and health of your eye first and then advise if lens replacement surgery is the best step for you.

Visit londonoc.co.uk for more information.

Call 020 7000 3193 or email reception@londonoc.co.uk to book a consultation.