Dear Dr. Demers,
My vision is getting worse and worse. I even lost a wonderful laboratory job last year because of it. I would like some information on a clear lensectomy. I know it's an elective procedure. I even have to take a bank loan to get it done. Can you advise me as to what to expect? I am just very, very worried about what will happen to my vision after it is over. Thanks a lot, Ellen

Dear Ellen,
Clear lens extraction is a wonderful procedure for patients over 40 years old and who are too myopic (near-sighted) or hyperopic (far-sighted) to undergo laser surgery. The procedure itself takes 10-15 minutes and recovery is rapid (24-48 hrs). It is the same procedure used for cataract surgery, which is removal of an opaque lens (as opposed to a clear lens).

This procedure is the most practiced in the world and most ophthalmic surgeons with experience can do this procedure very comfortably. Complications may arise especially in highly myopic individuals. Retinal detachment has been known to occur in 2-5% of patients following this procedure.

Careful follow-up after the surgery is mandatory to check for any evidence of early detachment. If retinal detachment is extensive, additional surgery may be needed to repair it. If you are less than 40 years old, this procedure may not be indicated.

Loss of the lens will affect reading without glasses. You will become presbyopic and will need glasses for a variety of near tasks (such as reading, eating, putting on make-up or shaving).

I have done a number of procedures on patients like you and all have been very pleased with both the ease of the surgical procedure and the visual results."

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