Clear Lens Extraction
For patients in their late forties or older, laser surgery is not always the best method of vision correction. Clear lens extraction is an alternative to laser and involves replacing the eye's natural lens with a new one to correct vision. Unlike laser surgery this approach is not limited by the degree of long, short sightedness or astigmatism that it can correct.
This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is essentially pain free. Normal activities can be resumed the next day with little or no impact on work or other commitments.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants
In this procedure, a lens (much like a contact lens) is implanted in the eye rather than worn on the eye. Unlike clear lens extraction, the lens in this procedure is placed in the eye in addition to the natural lens already inside the eye. This procedure is used to correct high amounts of short sightedness and long sightedness, conditions which are generally not able to be treated by laser vision correction surgery. This is a very quick, painless procedure with minimal downtime.
Premium Lens implantation
This procedure is a variation of the clear lens extraction, with the only difference being the type of lens used. A premium lens is essentially one that corrects both near and far vision. In practice most people achieve good distance and intermediate vision with reasonable near. This procedure is suited to patients in whom total freedom from glasses is the primary goal.
Generally, the type and amount of optical (eyeglass or contact lens prescription) error, the age of the patient, and the individual characteristics of the patient's eyes are used to determine which type of procedure offers the best outcome for the patient.
For more information about laser vision correction, visit our Frequently Asked Questions about vision correction
For patients in their late forties or older, laser surgery is not always the best method of vision correction. Clear lens extraction is an alternative to laser and involves replacing the eye's natural lens with a new one to correct vision. Unlike laser surgery this approach is not limited by the degree of long, short sightedness or astigmatism that it can correct.
This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is essentially pain free. Normal activities can be resumed the next day with little or no impact on work or other commitments.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants
In this procedure, a lens (much like a contact lens) is implanted in the eye rather than worn on the eye. Unlike clear lens extraction, the lens in this procedure is placed in the eye in addition to the natural lens already inside the eye. This procedure is used to correct high amounts of short sightedness and long sightedness, conditions which are generally not able to be treated by laser vision correction surgery. This is a very quick, painless procedure with minimal downtime.
Premium Lens implantation
This procedure is a variation of the clear lens extraction, with the only difference being the type of lens used. A premium lens is essentially one that corrects both near and far vision. In practice most people achieve good distance and intermediate vision with reasonable near. This procedure is suited to patients in whom total freedom from glasses is the primary goal.
Generally, the type and amount of optical (eyeglass or contact lens prescription) error, the age of the patient, and the individual characteristics of the patient's eyes are used to determine which type of procedure offers the best outcome for the patient.
For more information about laser vision correction, visit our Frequently Asked Questions about vision correction
Vision correction is correctly known as refractive surgery.
It is for those with:
When people hear the term ‘vision correction’, they usually think of laser vision correction. However, there are a number of different options for correcting vision, including:
You can read more about each of these methods for correcting vision below. You may also like to read the Frequently Asked Questions about vision correction for more information.
Laser Vision Correction Using Intralse
Laser vision correction uses a computer-controlled laser to sculpt the shape of the cornea to alter the refraction of the eye
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 10 minutes.
This procedure is best suited to individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older, are not highly short sighted or highly far sighted, and who have otherwise healthy eyes. Note: People with certain medical conditions are not candidates for laser vision correction.
At Melbourne Eye Centre, we generally use two types of laser vision correction. These are:
- Myopia (short sightedness)
- Hyperopia (long sightedness)
- Astigmatism (where vision is distorted due to the surface of the eye being irregular in shape)
- The problem of being unable to read without glasses after the age of about 45 is called presbyopia and CANNOT be treated with refractive surgery
When people hear the term ‘vision correction’, they usually think of laser vision correction. However, there are a number of different options for correcting vision, including:
- Laser vision correction
- Clear lens extraction
- Phakic intraocular lens implants
- Premium lens implantation
You can read more about each of these methods for correcting vision below. You may also like to read the Frequently Asked Questions about vision correction for more information.
Laser Vision Correction Using Intralse
Laser vision correction uses a computer-controlled laser to sculpt the shape of the cornea to alter the refraction of the eye
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 10 minutes.
This procedure is best suited to individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older, are not highly short sighted or highly far sighted, and who have otherwise healthy eyes. Note: People with certain medical conditions are not candidates for laser vision correction.
At Melbourne Eye Centre, we generally use two types of laser vision correction. These are:
- LASIK (using Intralase)
- PRK
Lasik corneal flap
Vision Correction