WHAT IS A LENSECTOMY?

As we age, the lens inside our eye loses its ability to focus both near and far. This is called presbyopia. Most vision correction procedures attempt to change the focusing power of the cornea. A lensectomy can correct nearsightedness and farsightedness by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificially lens specifically selected to provide the patient with better vision. Advancements in lens technology have made it possible to treat astigmatism and presbyopia as well. Lensectomy is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. These surgical techniques have evolved and improved dramatically over the last 20 years. Cataract removal is one of the most common, safest and most effective operations performed in medicine today. Cataracts are a part of the aging process, and if a person lives long enough chances are they will develop cataracts. People who have lensectomy now, will not have to have cataract surgery in the future. The main difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy is that cataract surgery is primarily performed to remove a lens opacity which is obstructing and clouding vision. A lensectomy is performed to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Our lensectomy procedures are done in our surgery center, conveniently located next to our Warner Robins office. You will be given several numbing drops, and you will be offered IV sedation. Once you are relaxed, Dr. Gayton will create a tiny incision on the side of the cornea. A small ultrasonic hand piece will then be used to emulsify the natural lens. After the natural lens is removed, it is replaced by an artificial lens. We have several different types of artificial lenses to choose from. Your surgeon will discuss which one may be the best for you. You will not feel the new lens inside your eye, and it doesn’t require any extra care. The entire procedure takes about ten minutes and usually doesn’t require any sutures.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR A LENSECTOMY?

Because of the anesthesia you are not allowed to drive or make any major decisions within 24 hours after surgery. To perform the surgery your eye will be dilated. Dilation drops make ones vision blurry until the effects wear off. Other than that, most people have functional vision the day of surgery.

WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM RESULTS FOR A LENSECTOMY?

One of the best things about the lensectomy procedure is how stable your vision is following surgery. Before surgery, the natural crystalline lens inside the eye changes, which is the primary reason someone would need to change their glasses prescription later in life. Since the changing natural lens is removed, a lensectomy typically provides long lasting, stable vision. However, some patients who have the lensectomy surgery will need fine-tuning with our LASEK procedure to get their maximum uncorrected vision. Regardless of whether you have surgery or not, as we age, we are more likely to develop other eye related conditions unrelated to the lensectomy. If you were to develop diabetes, glaucoma, macular conditions, dry eye, or any of other diseases your vision can be effected whether or not you have had eye surgery.

WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF LENSECTOMY?

As with any surgery, there are some possible complications to a refractive lensectomy. Since the lensectomy surgery is an intraocular procedure, it carries the same risks as standard cataract surgery. The risks could include possibility of retinal detachment, inner eye surgery complications, and corneal problems. The risks and benefits will be discussed by a surgical counselor prior to your surgery. A consent form explaining the possible risks will also be made available to you.

WHAT TYPE OF IOLS DOES EYESIGHT ASSOCIATES OFFER?

We offer several different types of lens implants to treat a wide variety of patients. The same lens will not work for everyone. During your exam, your surgeon will review your measurements and your lifestyle to customize a lens to meet your needs. The surgeon and surgical counselors will discuss the lens choice available for you in detail. Please see our educational insert on lens options for a summary of different types. You may also call our office and view our website for information on the various lenses.

DOES INSURANCE COVER A LENSECTOMY?

Lensectomy is considered a cosmetic procedure; therefore it is not covered by insurance. Flexible spending account funds can generally be used for lensectomy. If you have cataracts that visually impair you then your insurance may cover most of the surgery.