Lens Surgery at Optimax: Implantable Contact Lenses vs. Lens Replacement Surgery

Am I suitable for lens surgery?

We offer two different types of lens surgery at Optimax; Lens Replacement Surgery and Implantable Contact Lens Surgery. Your suitability for either of these procedures depends on a number of factors including your age, prescription, and numerous eye health characteristics including corneal thickness, eye dryness and pupil size.

We assess your vision and the overall health of your eyes at your first consultation with us, and will then recommend a treatment based on the outcome of the assessments, scans and examinations. You can enter your details into our suitability calculator to discover your potential best option for eye surgery, based on your age and prescription. We will confirm this for you at a free consultation in one of our 19 nationwide clinics, and you can then begin your journey to clear, natural vision.

When patients hear that they may be unsuitable for laser eye surgery, not everyone knows much about the alternatives, beyond simple ‘lens surgery’. We’re sharing the lens-based treatments we have on offer at Optimax to provide some clarity around next steps for vision correction procedures, if laser eye surgery isn’t an option for you.

What is Lens Replacement Surgery?

Lens replacement surgery replaces the aged, natural lens in your eye with a clear artificial lens. The treatment is typically popular with patients aged 45+ as it can restore youthful vision and eliminate the need for reading glasses. Choose from three different types of lens (monofocal, EDOF, multifocal) to provide good vision for various visual ranges, including multifocal lenses which can give you entirely glasses-free vision. An added benefit is that you cannot develop a cataract after lens replacement surgery, essentially future-proofing your eyes against further age-related changes.

What is Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

Also known as Implantable Collamer Lenses, ICLs are most popular with patients under the age of 45 and are a brilliant alternative to laser eye surgery. ICLs can correct strong prescriptions of up to +10 for long-sight and -20 for short-sight. The biocompatible collamer lens is simply inserted into your eye to sit behind the iris and in front of your eye’s natural lens. The treatment is suitable for patients who have dry eyes, thin corneas, strong prescriptions, and for those who are seeking a fully reversible treatment. The collamer lens works in harmony with your eye and is designed to stay there for the remainder of your life.

How much is Lens Surgery at Optimax?

Something we’re very proud of is our fixed, clear pricing which does not vary according to your prescription. You’ll pay the same, no matter if your prescription is -3 or -7, including astigmatism. All prices are inclusive of your free consultation and aftercare appointments.

• Implantable contact lenses: £3,245 per eye
• Lens replacement surgery – Standard monofocal lens: £2,995 per eye
• Lens replacement surgery – EDOF lens: £3,245 per eye
• Lens replacement surgery – Multifocal lens: £3,495 per eye

If you’re having lens replacement surgery, it’s ultimately up to you to select which type of lens you would like, based on the level of dependency on glasses or contact lens you’re aiming for. The price varies for these types of lens as you move up through the number of focal points on the lens. For example, a standard monofocal lens will correct your vision for one distance, while a multifocal lens will correct your vision for three distances, and therefore costs more as it has more focal points.

What is Lens Surgery recovery like?

Recovery after your procedure varies from patient to patient, which is why we generally advise a 3-7 day window for recovery before you return to work or other daily activities. You will be cleared to drive by the optometrist at one of your aftercare appointments, but this is usually within the first week or two, depending on your recovery process.

We invite all our lens surgery patients, both after lens replacement and ICLs, to visit us for aftercare appointments at the following stages following surgery:

• 1–2 days
• 7–10 days
• 4–6 weeks
• 3–6 months (discharge if satisfactory)

If you have any concerns at all in between appointments, do not hesitate to contact your clinic team or to give us a call on 0800 093 1110 where our expert staff can advise accordingly.

Don’t wait any longer – start your journey to clear, natural vision today with lens surgery at Optimax.