Laser Lens Replacement (LLR), also called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), clear lens exchange, or presbyopia lens exchange (PRELEX), is a vision correction procedure in which your natural crystalline lens is removed and replaced with a high-performance artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
At Centre for Sight, the procedure is assisted by laser (rather than manual techniques) in 100% of cases, at no extra cost. The technique involves making a small incision (approximately 1.8 mm), opening the lens capsule, removing the natural lens (often via fragmentation and aspiration), and implanting a custom IOL.
Refractive lens exchange surgery can correct refractive errors such as shortsight (myopia), longsight (hyperopia), and presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision), and in doing so can also pre-emptively prevent or remove cataracts.
Please be aware that your consultant will recommend the most suitable vision correction procedure to suit your eyes and lifestyle.
| Procedure | How it works | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Replace natural lens with single-focus IOL | Patients wanting reliable distance vision | Simpler optics, fewer visual artefacts | Glasses needed for reading/intermediate |
| Monofocal Toric | Monofocal + built-in astigmatism correction | Patients with corneal astigmatism | Good distance vision, minimal compromise | Reading glasses still needed |
| Multifocal / Trifocal | Diffractive or segmented optics to provide multiple focal points | Patients aiming for spectacle independence | Freedom from glasses, full range of vision | Adaptation period, possible halos / glare |
| Trifocal Toric | Combines multifocal + astigmatism correction | Those with astigmatism and desire for full vision | Spectacle independence across distances + astigmatism correction | More complexity, careful planning needed |
| EDOF / IROF / Range-of-Focus | Provide extended depth without distinct multiple focal zones | Patients who want intermediate + distance, with mild near | Smoother transitions, fewer visual artefacts | Near vision may not be ideal without some glasses or slight monovision |
Refractive lens exchange surgery is typically considered for people who:
Contraindications & precautionary cases:
Your surgeon will speak with you about the benefits and risks involved before your procedure.
| Benefits (vary by procedure): | Risks/side effects (not exhaustive): |
|---|---|
| Spectacle independence for distance, intermediate and near vision | Temporary visual artefacts (halos, glare) – typically reduce over time |
| Long-term vision correction — eliminates future cataract | Adaptation period (neuroadaptation) |
| Rapid visual improvement (often within hours to days) | Small percentage of rare complications (e.g. implant tilt, posterior capsule opacification) |
| Built-in astigmatism correction (if toric) | Some may still need glasses for certain tasks |
| One-time procedure, no dependence on corneal thickness | Risk of additional treatments or enhancements |
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A full set of advanced diagnostic tests (corneal maps, OCT scans, IOL power calculations, dry eye assessment) arecarried out.
Review results, discuss lens options, risks/benefits, and select your plan.
Under local anaesthetic and optional sedation, the laser-assisted lens replacement is performed.
Structured post-op checkups, eye drops regimen, emergency helpline. Visual recovery is often rapid, but full adaptation can take weeks to months.
Centre for Sight offers transparent, fixed pricing, with optional finance plans.
Inclusions:
Finance Options:
Patients can choose 0 % APR plans up to 24 months via V12 Retail Finance (subject to status)
Pain is minimal. The procedure is done under anaesthetic drops (and optional mild sedation), and discomfort post-op is usually mild.
Sometimes yes (bilateral sequential surgery), depending on clinical safety and patient suitability. Each eye is handled independently with different batches of devices and medicines.
Approximately 10% of patients may initially notice halos around headlights, especially at night. These typically diminish over 6–12 weeks as the brain adapts.
Yes, though lens options may be more limited; additionalevaluation is needed.
No, because your natural lens is replaced. LLR can be considered as proactive cataract prevention.
LLR is performed primarily for vision correction and uses premium lens implants and precise measurements suited for refractive goals. Cataract surgery is usually done to clear a cloudy, dysfunctional lens. The technologies overlap, but the objectivesdiffer.
