Custom Lens Replacement
Replace the natural lens of your eye with a customised lens and remove the need for glasses and/or contact lenses.
€4000 - €4950 per eye
What is it?
Overview
Custom Lens Replacement (CLR) is a procedure that removes the natural lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is chosen to correct your prescription and this vision correction procedure can remove the need for you to use glasses and/or contact lenses to see well. The procedure can sometimes be referred to as Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with IOL implants.
The Benefits Are Clear
- Quick procedures taking approximately 30 minutes per eye
- Can correct large prescriptions that may be less suitable for laser vision correction
- Freedom from glasses and/or contact lenses
- In the event that CLR does not fully correct the prescription, the vision can be further improved with a laser eye surgery fine-tuning procedure. At the Wellington Eye Clinic, there is no additional cost for this laser surgery enhancement if required within the first 5 years after the CLR procedure
- Removes the need for cataract surgery to be performed in the future as surgically identical
How does it work?
Custom Lens Replacement removes the need for glasses and/or contact lenses by replacing the natural lens of your eye with an artificial lens (IOL). Our CLR procedures are performed at the Beacon Hospital. The procedure is performed one eye at a time, generally 1- 2 weeks apart. There are a wide range of artificial lenses (IOLs) to choose from when undergoing CLR and we will help you select the correct IOL for your visual needs.
Why do I need it?
How do I know if it’s right for me?
IOLs explained
What To Expect
The first step is to book a consultation with one of our Optometrists. During this appointment you will undergo a number of tests and scans and your visual needs will be assessed. After reviewing your tests and scans, the Optometrist will discuss possible surgery options and advise on your suitability for the procedure. This appointment will last up to 2.5 hours.
Please note: Your pupils will be dilated so you will be unable to drive for the remainder of the day following the appointment. Contact lenses must be left out 2 days (soft lenses) and 3 weeks (for hard lenses) prior to an evaluation as they distort the natural shape of the cornea.
On the day of surgery, while the procedure only takes 30 minutes per eye, you will be in the Beacon Hospital for approximately 4 hours. This allows time to complete your admission to the Day Unit, preoperative checks such as blood pressure and dilate your pupils before your procedure. The anaesthetist will also discuss sedation options with you and administer this prior to your procedure. When your procedure is over, you will relax (with tea and toast!) in the recovery room for approximately 40 minutes. In line with Beacon Hospital's policies, we ask that you have a family member/ friend collect you at the reception area of the Day Unit in Beacon Hospital after your procedure.
We advise all patients to go home and rest on the day of their procedure. Most patients find the procedure comfortable with only mild discomfort for the remainder of the day. Prescriptions for pre and post operative care will be provided at the time of booking your surgery appointment and you should have these prescriptions filled prior to going home. You will use 3 kinds of drops for 1 month after the procedure. These are intended to reduce inflammation and infection as your eye heals.
You will return to the clinic for post-operative visits as per the below schedules:
- Day 1 (only if specifically requested by the Surgeon, majority of patients it is not required)
- 1 week
- 6 weeks
- 6- 12 months
Frequently asked questions
Pricing
Before treatment
Vision Correction Initial Consultation
€150
Treatment
Custom Lens Replacement
€4000 - €4950 per eye
Surgeon fee (€2500), hospital fee (€1100), anaesthetist fee (€400) and cost of the lens (€0-€950). Approximate pricing as cost of lens can vary based on strength and lens type used. Full written quote will be provided prior to scheduling surgery.
Follow Ups
Typically you should come for a check up at least once every 2 years.
First 12 months
No Charge
12 months - 4 years (Doctor & Optometrist)
€150
12 months - 4 years (Optometrist Only)
€100
After 4 years (Doctor & Optometrist)
€250
Additional scans may be required with additional cost of €60 each.Maximum 2 scans chargeable per visit.
After 4 years (Optometrist Only)
€150
Additional scans may be required with additional cost of €60 each.Maximum 2 scans chargeable per visit.
Want to begin your journey to clearer vision?
Whether you still need more information or you think this is the right procedure for you, request a consultation and we’ll be able to help you from there.