All about refractive lens exchange
Refractive lens exchange explained
Here is everything you need to know about the requirements, the procedure and the benefits of a refractive lens exchange.
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 simple
Refractive lens exchange in four simple steps
Your refractive lens exchange at betterview has four simple steps:
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1
Preliminary examination
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
Main examination
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
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
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.
How common are lens treatments?
Priya explains how a lens treatment works and how often the treatment is performed.
Can lens treatment cause blindness?
Chiara explains why the risk of blindness is extremely low.
Healing time and lens stability
Priya talks about the process and side effects of lens treatment.
Why are lens treatments so expensive?
Chiara explains what is included in the costs of a lens treatment.
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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
Presbyopia
Refractive lens exchange corrects presbyopia permanently. Even as you age, you will no longer depend on reading glasses or varifocals.
Premium lenses
Our multifocal intraocular lenses help you see clearly at close, medium, or long distances, eliminating the need for varifocals.
Clear vision for a lifetime
Vision steadily deteriorates with age. After a refractive lens exchange, you will never depend on vision aids again.
Severe ametropia
Refractive lens exchange is suitable for severe long-sightedness, short-sightedness, or even a combination of severe refractive errors.
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 find out whether you can have laser vision correction and which treatment method is best for you.
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betterview online vision test
Now easily get a first approximate assessment of your visual performance - with the betterview vision test.
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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 eye treatment or refractive lens exchange is best for your vision correction depends on various factors. However, if you are over 45 and want to correct presbyopia, refractive lens exchange is probably better because it prevents the progression of presbyopia.
What ages are suitable for a 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?
The artificial lens that is inserted into the eye during refractive lens exchange remains in the eye for life. Since it replaces the eye's natural lens, vision problems are corrected long-term and the lens enables clear vision even into old age.
What are the risks associated with 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.
How much does refractive lens exchange cost?
betterview charges CHF 4,980 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.
What are the most common risks of laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a very safe option for correcting vision problems, but like any medical procedure, it also carries some risks. The most well-known include:
- Dry eyes
- Vision fluctuations
- Over- or under-correction
- Infections
- Regression
In most cases, the described complications can be resolved through follow-up treatment. More details on the risks of laser eye surgery can be found in the overview.
GET IN TOUCH
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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!
Don't feel like chatting? Just send us an email with your questions. We usually respond on the same day.
Call us
You want to speak with us immediately? Then simply give us a call on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM - we're here for you.
Emergency
If an emergency occurs outside our opening hours, we kindly ask you to call the emergency number provided in your drop-in plan.