Cataracts are one of the most common complaints in people over 50, and cataract removal surgery is one of the most common surgeries carried out in the UK. There is an additional option for those who wish to correct any refractive errors they may have as well though, and this is called refractive lens exchange. Refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens which means that not only is the cataracts removed, but it cannot return. It also means that the artificial lens can be designed to correct to fix the patients long or short sightedness meaning that once the surgery has been completed not only will the cataracts be removed but the eyesight will be fixed as well.

Refractive lens exchange is a very quick and safe procedure. It typically lasts just 20 minutes per eye. Usually if both eyes need doing they will not be done at the same time. Once the first eye has recovered completely then an appointment can be made to have the second eye treated. On arrival at the hospital you will be greeted by the doctor performing the operation. The patient will be able to ask some questions and discuss anything that may be making them feel nervous. Once ready they will have eye drops administered that contain anesthetic. Once the eye drops have taken affect the surgery will begin.

The patient feels nothing during the surgery. There is no pain whatsoever. After the procedure the patient is taken into the recovery room so they can relax and allow the anesthetic to wear off. Usually only about an hour is required before the patient is ready to return home. It is always a good idea for the patient to arrange to have someone to meet them at the hospital to bring them home. This can be a friend, family member or a taxi service. If the patient decides to use a taxi service they should make sure that the driver is aware additional assistance may be needed. The doctor will provide any specific instructions on what to do over the days following the surgery. Typically the patient will be required to get plenty of rest and have regular doses of eye drops.

When the patient returns home, the ideal is to rest and sleep, and where possible avoid television and reading. When the body is asleep it can heal itself more easily. The day following surgery patients can usually see a difference in their eye sight. It takes a full six weeks however for the full effects of the surgery to be seen and for the eye sight to be completely restored. The results are noticeable from just a few hours following surgery however. This can be extremely exciting. If you have had surgery then undoubtedly you will have to have a few days off work. Normally just two or three days out of work are all that are necessary, however for those who work in dusty or smoky environments then more may be necessary, perhaps up to two weeks. Dust and smoke are not conducive to healing eyes.

In the week after the operation, a follow up appointment with the surgeon is necessary. This is so they can check on the healing process and ensure the operation has in fact worked. In a small number of cases the eyes need a little adjustment but this is simple and is unlikely to involve more surgery. If the surgeon is happy with the eyes and pleased that they are healing well, no further appointments will be required. A telephone number will be provided however and if you notice anything wrong with your eyes you should ring it immediately, regardless of the time of day or night. As with any surgery being vigilant post-op against problems is important so they can be dealt with as soon as possible.

There is not much else necessary in terms of post operative care. The procedure itself is quick and simple and the recovery period is very short. If you are unsure about anything or have any questions then you should contact your eye doctor to find out more. Refractive lens exchange is available at a number of eye hospitals across the UK.

One of the ideal ways to go about cataract removal is refractive lens exchange. This type of >private cataract surgery is quick, painless and safe. There are very few cataract surgery complications which make this one of the most popular types of elective surgery in the UK. It is available at a number of hospitals across the UK.