Other (Non-Laser) Eye Procedures

If a laser procedure is not suitable for you it does not mean that Dr Harrisberg cannot assist in your goal to be glasses free. Dr Harrisberg can also perform other procedures where the lens inside your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens to correct your vision.

 

To know which procedure is suitable for you an initial consultation is required. At Central Sydney Eye Surgeons the initial consultation is obligation free. Read on to find out more or click here to book a consultation now.

 

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange, clear lens removal, lensectomy or refractive lensectomy are all terms to describe the surgical removal of the eyes lens while it is still clear and transparent and replace it with an artificial lens of a different power.

 

Normally, with age the lens become cloudy and starts to interfere with normal visual function. This is called a cataract.  When a cataract is formed a procedure is performed to remove it and replace it with an artificial lens.

 

In refractive lens exchange the same principal applies. The lens is removed and exchanged with an artificial lens whose power has been carefully calculated based on the results of sophisticated testing methods.

 

This procedure is done when other refractive procedures such as LASIK are not able to be performed. Generally this is when the levels of either long or shortsightedness are outside the safe treatable parameters of laser based procedures.

 

However one side effect of this procedure is that the eye loses its ability to focus on near objects and reading glasses may be required. However with new artificial lenses available the doctor will discuss all your possible options.

 

The procedure

The procedure is done as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic, the procedure takes about 25 minutes and the total time at the surgery centre is approximately 2 to 3 hours. A small incision is made in the eye and an ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye to break up and remove the lens. The artificial lens is then folded to fit through the 3mm incision. The lens unfolds inside the eye, and stays in position permanently. The procedure is performed one eye at a time with about one week between each eye.

 

Visual recovery

Visual recovery, in most cases, is fast. Generally after 2 days most patients can return to normal activities. Most patient have a few weeks of small fluctuations in vision and some light sensitivity. As with any procedures performed on the eye there are certain risks involved, all these will be discussed with you at the consultation prior to surgery.

 

Phakic Implants

Another surgical option is a phakic implant lens. The main difference between this procedure and refractive lens exchange is that your natural lens is not removed; rather the additional lens is placed in front of your existing lens.

 

Phakic implants are used to only to correct very high amounts of short and long sightedness, which are not suitable for treatment using any other techniques.

 

The  procedure
Prior to the procedure the eye will need to be prepared with a laser iridotomy. This procedure is performed in the rooms using a laser to create small openings in the iris (coloured part of the eye) to assist in the positioning of the lens and allow fluid exchange between the chambers of the eye.

 

The procedure is done as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic, the procedure takes about 25 minutes and the total time in the surgery centre is approximately 2 to 3 hours. A small incision is made in the eye and the phakic implant lens is then inserted behind the iris and in front of the lens. The lens is then secured and stays in place permanently.  The procedure is performed one eye at a time with about 4 to 6 weeks between each eye.

 

Visual recovery

Visual recovery, in most cases, is fast. Generally after 2 days most patients can return to normal activities. Most patient have a few weeks of small fluctuations in vision and some light sensitivity. As with any procedures performed on the eye there are certain risks involved, all these will be discussed with you at the consultation prior to surgery.