Newmedica Birmingham
Aqueous One, Aston Cross Business Village, Rocky Lane, Birmingham, B6 5RQ
0121 270 5048 birmingham@newmedica.co.uk
What is refractive lens exchange surgery?
Refractive lens exchange is a well-established vision-correction procedure in which the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. It’s often recommended for people whose eyesight issues can’t be fully corrected using laser treatments.
This approach can be suitable for individuals with:
• Presbyopia – an age-related change that reduces the ability to focus on close objects.
• Astigmatism – where the eye has an irregular, rugby-ball-like shape that causes distorted or blurred vision.
• High myopia – significant short-sightedness.
• Marked hyperopia – severe long-sightedness.
What to expect from refractive lens exchange surgery in Birmingham?
After surgery, it’s normal to have slight discomfort and blurred vision for the first few days. Most people are able to return to their usual routines within a week. As the eye heals, your sight will steadily become clearer, and you’ll attend a follow-up appointment to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.
Meet our consultants
We offer patients access to leading consultants who are also partners in the business, meaning they’re directly involved in setting our high standards of care.
How much does refractive lens exchange cost in Birmingham?
From our Birmingham clinic, please get in touch with us today to discuss pricing for private RLE treatments.
Who may need RLE in Birmingham?
Refractive lens exchange is typically recommended for patients who wish to correct a refractive error which, in turn, will reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses and who are not suitable candidates for refractive laser procedures such as LASIK or PRK (procedures that reshape the clear window at the front of the eye, the cornea, to correct vision problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism).
It may also be advised for patients with early signs of lens dysfunction (loss of near vision or contrast sensitivity, for example) who are seeking a long-term solution for vision correction.
This procedure is often considered for individuals over the age of 50, particularly those with presbyopia (loss of nearby focusing power with age) or those experiencing difficulty with both near and distance vision.
Your refractive lens exchange journey at Newmedica Birmingham
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Referral
Contact us to book a consultation. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours to guide you through the next steps and arrange your consultation – usually within 10 days. The consultation costs £195, non-refundable. If you go ahead with treatment, we’ll credit the full amount towards your final bill.
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Consultation
You’ll be greeted by our patient co-ordinator, who’ll introduce you to your consultant. After eye tests and measurements, we’ll explain your lens options and help you choose a lens that best suits your needs. Surgery is then scheduled – often within a few weeks, or at a time that’s most convenient for you.
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Surgery
Our theatre team will ensure you’re comfortable throughout. We’ll apply drops to dilate and numb your eye, before you meet your consultant to discuss any final questions. The surgery is complete in around 15 minutes. Afterward, you’ll receive eye drops and aftercare advice, then relax until you’re ready to go home.
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Aftercare
We’ll call you the next day to check in. You’ll also have access to an emergency helpline for any urgent concerns. A follow-up will take place a few weeks later, either at our clinic or with your optometrist. We’ll confirm this at your consultation.
