Jesse Panthagani — Leading Eye Surgeon
Treatments

Lens procedures

Refractive lens exchange and premium IOL options for patients who want long-term freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

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Woman reading comfortably without glasses

Refractive lens exchange (RLE)

Refractive lens exchange replaces your natural lens with a premium intraocular lens — even before a cataract forms. For patients over 45 who are tired of reading glasses, or with high prescriptions unsuited to laser surgery, RLE offers a one-time, permanent solution.

A bonus: because we remove the natural lens, you’ll never develop a cataract in that eye.

Ophthalmic laser platform in clinic

YAG laser capsulotomy

A small number of patients experience clouding of the membrane behind the implanted lens in the months or years after cataract surgery — a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

YAG laser capsulotomy is a painless, five-minute laser procedure that restores clear vision immediately. It’s performed in clinic, requires no anaesthetic, and typically delivers results the same day.

Read more about YAG laser capsulotomy →

Close-up of a premium intraocular lens

Premium IOL options

We offer the full range of modern premium intraocular lenses:

  • Monofocal — the clinical standard; excellent distance vision with glasses for reading.
  • Toric — corrects astigmatism as part of the surgery.
  • Multifocal — gives a range of near, intermediate and distance vision.
  • EDOF (extended depth of focus) — a continuous range with minimal visual side-effects.

Choosing the right lens is the single most important decision in refractive surgery — we’ll walk you through the trade-offs at your consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Am I too young (or too old) for refractive lens exchange?
RLE is typically best for patients over 45, when the natural lens has already lost its ability to focus up close. There’s no upper age limit — suitability is about the health of your eyes, not the number on your birthday. Younger patients with high prescriptions are often better served by an implantable contact lens or laser surgery, which we also offer.
How is RLE different from laser eye surgery?
Laser surgery reshapes the cornea; RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with a precision IOL. Laser is often ideal for younger eyes, while RLE suits patients over 45 or with prescriptions outside the laser range — and it permanently prevents cataracts, because the natural lens is gone.
Which lens should I choose?
It depends on how you live: night driving, reading, screen work, sport. Monofocal lenses give the crispest distance vision, EDOF lenses add intermediate range with minimal side-effects, trifocals give the greatest freedom from glasses, and toric versions of each correct astigmatism. At your consultation you’ll get a personalised recommendation — not a menu.
What are the risks of lens surgery?
Lens exchange carries the same low risk profile as modern cataract surgery — around a 2% chance of a complication, with serious sight-threatening problems very rare (about 1 in 1,000). We’ll go through your individual risks honestly before you decide anything.
How quickly will I recover?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours and are back to normal activities within a few days. Your eyes take a few weeks to fully adapt — especially with multifocal lenses, as your brain learns to use the new range of focus.
Is it true I'll never get cataracts after RLE?
Yes. Cataracts form in the natural lens — and RLE removes it. The artificial lens that replaces it cannot develop a cataract, so you’ll never need cataract surgery in that eye.
My vision went cloudy again months after lens surgery — what's happening?
This is usually posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — a harmless frosting of the capsule that holds your lens implant. It affects a minority of patients and is fixed permanently with a painless, five-minute YAG laser capsulotomy.
What do lens procedures cost?
Indicative prices are on our prices page, and you’ll always receive a full written quote after your consultation — no hidden fees.

Ready to discuss your lens options?

Book a consultation with Mr Panthagani for a personalised recommendation.

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Treatments

Related treatments

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Conditions

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