Our Services Lens Exchange

What is Lens Exchange?
Similar to cataract surgery, lens exchange procedure is to remove the natural lens of the eye through minimally invasive technique and then implant a suitable artificial lens. The procedure is to correct high degree of myopia and hyperopia.

The advantages of lens exchange include permanent correction of vision without removing corneal tissue, rapid visual recovery, predictable outcome and preserving natural cornea and its natural shape.



Am I a suitable candidate?
In general, suitable candidates:

• Are over 35 years old
• Are in good general health
• Have no health issues affecting your eyes
• Have no active eye conditions which may affect healing
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year

To find out if lens exchange is suitable for you, you should have a comprehensive eye examination by our ophthalmologist. During the examination, we will give you more specific information and answer any questions you may have. The examination will take about 3 hours because it is a very thorough examination.

How to prepare for Lens Exchange?

• Attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by contacting 2855 6699 or online at www.hksh-healthcare.com.
• Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for lens exchange.

The Procedure

• The surgery is usually performed under topical and local anaesthesia or monitored anaesthetic care.
• A micro incision is made in the cornea.
• Part of the anterior capsule of the natural lens will be removed.
• A high-frequency ultrasound probe will be used to break up the lens and the fragments will be taken out through the small corneal incision.
• A foldable intraocular lens will be implanted.
• The small incision may need microscopic stitches for closure sometimes.
• Femtosecond Laser may be used to assist the procedure, such as corneal incision, capsulotomy, lens fragmentation and astigmatism correction.

Risk and Complication

• Infection or inflammation.
• Intraocular bleeding/ iris trauma.
• Subconjunctival haemorrhage.
• Posterior capsule tear and leakage of vitreous humour that may need vitrectomy surgery.
• Increased intraocular pressure.
• Photophobia/foreign body sensation/dry eyes.
• Corneal edema/ decompensation.
• Ptosis.
• Floaters/ retinal detachment/ macular oedema.
• Cataract fragments remained in the eye.
• Decentration or fogging of the intraocular lens that may need centering, removal or re-implantation of the lens.
• Post-surgery refraction may not reach the target as planned, and may require further surgery, corrective lenses or readings glasses.
• Change of planned model of intraocular lens/ additional surgeries to treat complications.
• Posterior capsular opacity that may need laser surgical treatment.

After the Procedure

• Keep the eye shield on for protection for 1- 2 weeks during sleep.
• Please take medication or instill eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
• Avoid soap, shampoo or tap water getting into your eyes for 1 week.
• Do not use eye make-up and swim for 1 month after surgery.
• No rubbing of the operated eye.
• Use sunglasses when you are outdoors for 1 month to prevent foreign bodies and irritation of ultraviolet light.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining and excessive physical exertion.
• Take more fruit and vegetables to avoid constipation.
• Avoid crowded or polluted places to prevent trauma and infection to the wound.

Follow Up Examination
Return for eye examination on the next day, 1 week and 1 month after surgery or at times your doctor deems necessary.