The PRELEX Procedure

The operation is similar to that performed on cataract patients.On the day of surgery and once in the hospital you will be given eye drops to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed. The operation usually lasts about 15 minutes and is almost painless as it is generally performed under a local or topical anaesthetic. If you have astigmatism the surgeon may correct it with specifically-placed miniature incisions around the edge of the cornea.

The technology used is a machine called a phacoemulsifier (phaco). The surgeon makes a micro-incision on the side of the cornea, no more than 3.0mm and inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This ‘phaco’ device emits ultrasound waves that break up the lens and the same probe removes the lens material by suction. Once removed the original lens is replaced by the lens implant which is folded, and inserted through the tiny incision. It then unfolds once in place in the eye. As there are no stitches, this means you can return home to relax the same day and look forward to a rapid and pain-free recovery.

Many patients remark on the immediate improvement in their vision. This is important for the surgeon to monitor so he can determine what focal power to aim for in the second eye. You can return to work or your usual activities within a day or two but will return to hospital to have the second eye done within a couple of weeks. The true benefit of PRELEX is not evident until both eyes have been done and the brain has had time to adjust to its new visual system.

How long will the surgery take?
The operation itself will take about 15 minutes, however you will need to allow for about 3 hours in the hospital. You will need someone to collect you or we can arrange transport for you.

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