A refractive lens exchange is a type of eye surgery that is used to replace the lens in the eye. The lens can become hardened over time, and as it does so it can affect eyesight considerably. A refractive lens exchange will remove the hardened lens and replace it with an artificial one. The new lens can be customised exactly to your individual needs - if you are long sighted the lens will be created to help correct that. If you are short sighted then the lens will ensure this problem is diminished. After the procedure a patient is left much more able to focus, read small print or see much further ahead.

If you are keen to get the ball rolling then the first action to take is to go for an initial consultation at the eye hospital of your choice. During this session your eyes will be tested and analysed by the very best diagnostic equipment and a tailored treatment plan will be provided. Here you will have a chance to ask any questions and you will also find out about costs of the procedure. A refractive lens exchange can mean that a lifetime of wearing glasses or contact lenses can come to an end and there is also the added bonus that cataracts are unable to develop later on.

Cataracts form in the lens of the eye. They are small cloudy spots that grow and spread affecting eyesight as they do so. They are very common in people over the age of 70, although it is from the age of 50 that more care over eyesight should be taken and cataracts can begin to develop. It is important that regular check ups are carried out from this stage of a person's life so that any problems can be caught early.

Following a refractive lens exchange there are only a few days of rest that are required. After just one or two days life can often return to normal. Your surgeon will want to see you for a check up a few days after surgery so that they can check the eyes are healing well and there are no signs of infection. Otherwise life can continue. The operation is absolutely pain free. Some very mild discomfort for a day or two afterwards is completely normal but this soon disappears. Some patients notice renewed vision after just a few hours although there may be some blurriness following surgery. Sometimes protective goggles or patches need to be worn for a bit of time but your surgeon will advise you on this. After around a month, eyesight will be at its optimum level although you are likely to notice improvements before that time.

There are very few risks involved with the surgery and the success rate is very high. The most likely complication is an inflammatory reaction. This results in swelling and tenderness around the eye but if this occurs it can be easily rectified with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sometimes there can be fluid retention in the eye, this is known as oedema but it usually sorts itself out without needing medical intervention. The follow up check ups will ensure that if there are any complications, they can be dealt with straight away. It is safe procedure with a very high success rate so you can go into it with confidence.

Many refractive problems in the eye can be resolved with a refractive lens exchange. There are other types of eye surgery available including laser eye treatment. This may be carried out when someone is suffering from a severe condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. A Lasik eyes procedure is a very effective treatment for eye diseases.