Private lens replacement surgery near Chichester costs from £2,800 per eye for a monofocal lens, with EDOF from around £3,796 and trifocal lenses from £4,300 per eye — all-inclusive of consultation, surgery, theatre and aftercare. Also called refractive lens exchange (RLE), it swaps your natural lens for a clear intraocular lens to reduce or remove your need for glasses. Chichester and West Sussex patients are treated at our nearby consultant-led clinics in Portsmouth, Southampton and Chandlers Ford.
What is refractive lens exchange (RLE)?
Refractive lens exchange uses exactly the same technique as cataract surgery, but is carried out before a cataract has formed, purely to correct your focus. The natural lens is removed and replaced with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) chosen to match your vision goals — so you can reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses and contact lenses.
Because your natural lens is removed, you will never develop a cataract in that eye. RLE is especially popular with patients over 50 who are becoming dependent on reading glasses or varifocals, or whose prescription is too strong for laser eye surgery. Weighing up your options? Read our guide to lens replacement vs laser eye surgery over 50.
Who chooses lens replacement?
- Over 50s tired of reading glasses or varifocals
- Stronger prescriptions not suitable for laser surgery
- Long-sighted patients wanting a lasting solution
- Anyone wanting to avoid future cataract surgery
- People seeking spectacle independence with premium lenses
Curious whether RLE suits your eyes? A consultant assessment with biometry scans confirms the right lens and the likely result for you.
Book a lens assessmentLens (IOL) options & prices
Your choice of intraocular lens determines how well you’ll see, and at what distances, for the rest of your life. Your consultant recommends the best lens for your eye anatomy and lifestyle.
Compare the lens families in detail on our monofocal vs multifocal lenses guide, or see individual pricing for EDOF and trifocal lenses. Toric versions correcting astigmatism are available across all lens types.
What happens during lens replacement
Lens replacement is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure and light. Each eye takes 15 to 25 minutes and you go home the same day.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the surrounding skin is cleaned.
- The surgeon makes a tiny 2.2–2.8mm incision that seals itself without stitches.
- Phacoemulsification gently breaks up and removes your natural lens.
- Your chosen intraocular lens is folded and inserted, unfolding into place.
- The eye is shielded and you rest briefly before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours, with full healing over about a month.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn the first night. No driving or heavy lifting; eye drops begin.
Days 1–3
Vision clears noticeably. Mild grittiness or watering is normal. Most return to gentle activities and reading.
Week 1
First post-op review. Most patients are back to driving and working; no swimming or eye rubbing yet.
Weeks 2–4
Vision continues to refine, especially with premium lenses as the brain adapts. Second eye scheduled if needed.
Occasionally a cloudy film can form on the lens capsule months or years later; it is quickly cleared with a YAG laser capsulotomy.
Cost & finance
Our lens replacement prices are all-inclusive: consultation, biometry, surgery, theatre and hospital fees, your IOL of choice, post-op drops and follow-up reviews.
- Self-pay: from £2,800 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 trifocal.
- Insurance: RLE is usually elective, but we can advise on cover where relevant.
- Finance: spread the cost with 0% APR finance — see our finance options.
Prefer to compare with cataract pricing in your area? See private cataract surgery cost in Chichester.