6/6 VISION WITHOUT READING GLASSES OR VARIFOCALS, EVEN WHEN YOU'RE OLDER.

What is a refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is when the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens (IOL, intraocular lens). The procedure corrects presbyopia or severe ametropia and is an excellent alternative to laser eye treatment. It creates lifelong independence from reading glasses or varifocals and prevents cataracts common in old age. Various lens types are available for the procedure. Our premium lenses are multifocal lenses which enable clear vision for both near and far - experience a whole new level of freedom and quality of life.

Various lens types are available for the procedure. Our premium multifocal lenses enable close and distant vision to help you experience a new level of freedom and quality of life.

Quite simply

Refractive lens exchange in four simple steps

Your laser eye treatment at betterview takes place in four simple steps:

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1

Preliminary exam

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Firstly, we examine your visual acuity and corneas during a free, no-obligation, 30-minute preliminary examination to determine if a refractive lens exchange is viable.

2

Primary exam

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During the 45-minute, free, no-obligation main examination, our ophthalmologists thoroughly examine and measure your eyes to determine the strength and type of lens you need.

3

Treatment

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Firstly, we anaesthetise your eyes with drops. Then, we gently remove your natural eye lens through a tiny opening in the side of the cornea and insert the artificial lens. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and is entirely pain-free.

4

Follow-up Visits

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The first follow-up takes place the next day. Our medical experts examine your vision and ensure everything is in order. Additional follow-ups take place one week and two months afterwards.

Timeline of your Refractive Lens Exchange

We will guide you step by step through the timeline of your lens treatment, so you know exactly what to expect. From the initial preliminary examination through the actual treatment and follow-up check - here you'll get all the important information to be well prepared and feel secure.

  • Before the treatment

    Preliminary and main examination

    After a free and non-binding preliminary examination, the main examination follows. It's important that you don't wear contact lenses for four days before this appointment and that you don't actively participate in road traffic after the appointment, as eye drops will impair your vision for a few hours. During the main examination, in addition to checking your visual acuity, your cornea and retina will also be examined to determine the best treatment method for you.

  • Day of treatment

    Procedure and Process of Treatment

    During the third appointment, your natural lens will be replaced with an artificial lens that corrects both distance vision impairment and potential presbyopia. For the journey home, you will receive transparent eye patches and should bring an accompanying person. Plan for about 1.5 hours for the entire appointment, including preparation and the journey home.*

  • After the first few hours

    Possible symptoms

    Immediately after the treatment, you may be sensitive to light and experience red eyes as well as a foreign body sensation. Other symptoms include milky vision, watery, dry, burning, or swollen eyes. It is recommended to wear sunglasses for the first few hours as protection against glare and foreign objects. Near vision usually recovers first; often you can read without visual aids by the evening of the treatment day. Distance vision takes a few days longer to recover and may initially show a shadow effect.

  • After 24 hours

    First follow-up check

    The first follow-up check takes place the day after the treatment. This is when your visual acuity without visual aids will be checked for the first time after the lens treatment. Usually, the confirmation for the road traffic office can also be issued at this point. In general, you can return to your normal daily routine.

  • After 7 days

    Second follow-up check

    Your second follow-up check takes place after one week. By this time, you will have already gotten quite used to the lens, although estimating different distances may still be somewhat limited. This will settle in the coming weeks. Please continue to follow the hygiene measures and use the eye drops according to your drop schedule.

  • After 14 days

    Back to normal routine

    Swimming, sports, and sauna are allowed again, as well as wearing makeup around the eye area. If you have questions about whether and when you can resume certain daily activities, you can always contact the Medical Team in the shops or call our Customer Care Team.

  • After 2 months

    Final follow-up check

    A final follow-up check takes place after about two months. Here, your visual acuity and the healing process of the eye will be checked once again.

*Please note that the perception of pain and symptoms can vary and be individually pronounced from person to person. Therefore, the timeline may also be slightly different for you.

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What you need

Am I suitable for lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange might be best for you if you have presbyopia and/or are affected by one or more instances of ametropia.

You should meet the following requirements:

  • Long-sightedness
  • Short-sightedness
  • Higher dioptre values on request
  • Corneal curvature
  • Generally healthy eyes other than cloudy vision
  • Good physical health

Advantages of a lens exchange

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Presbyopia

Refractive lens exchange corrects presbyopia permanently. Even as you age, you will no longer depend on reading glasses or varifocals.

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Prevent lens clouding

Refractive lens exchange corrects presbyopia permanently. Even as you age, you will no longer depend on reading glasses or varifocals.

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Premium lenses

Our multifocal intraocular lenses help you see clearly at close, medium, or long distances, eliminating the need for varifocals.

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Clear vision for life

Vision steadily deteriorates with age. After a refractive lens exchange, you will never depend on vision aids again.

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Severe ametropia

Refractive lens exchange is suitable for severe long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or even a combination of severe refractive errors.

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Neither visible nor noticeable

The artificial lens can't be seen or felt once the eye has completely healed. Experience a whole new level of freedom and quality of life.

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During a 30-minute, no-obligation, free initial consultation on site, we'll find out whether you can have your vision corrected with a laser and which treatment option is best for you.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most important and frequent questions and answers about betterview. If you can't find the answer to your question here, please get in touch with us.

Laser eye surgery or lens exchange?

Whether laser treatment or refractive lens exchange is best for vision correction depends on a variety of factors. However, if you are over 45 and want to correct presbyopia, refractive lens exchange may be better because it prevents the progression of presbyopia.

What age is suitable for lens exchange?

We use refractive lens exchange to correct presbyopia for people over 45. However, in some cases, we also use the treatment to correct severe, non-age-related ametropia, which we can carry out as soon as you are over 18.

How long does an artificial eye lens last?

Artificial lenses are permanent and last a lifetime. We use refractive lenses to replace your eye's natural lenses and prevent further ametropia and lens clouding (cataracts), enabling clear vision throughout old age.

What are the risks associated with a lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is a proven and safe method for treating presbyopia. If your vision deviates from the desired result afterwards, we can correct it with laser eye treatment. We also treat the rare cases of eye infection that occur after the procedure.

What does a refractive lens exchange cost?

betterview charges £3,990 per eye for refractive lens exchange, which you can pay immediately or in convenient instalments. Our flat rate includes the preliminary and main examinations, the procedure and follow-ups. Thanks to the betterview warranty, you'll only be charged if we perform the procedure.

What can I expect after treatment?

The eye recovers significantly in the first 24 hours after the procedure, and visual acuity gradually improves. However, it may take several weeks to achieve optimal and stable vision. As a rule, you can resume your usual activities the day after, but you should limit them to a reasonable level. Strenuous activities should be avoided to allow the eyes to rest and recover.

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Do you have questions about treatment, an emergency, or just want to know something in general? Just reach out to us!

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