PreLex in Toulon — Presbyopic Lens Exchange (clear lens)

PreLex (Presbyopic Lens Exchange) treats presbyopia combined with other refractive errors in patients over 50. The principle: the crystalline lens — the eye’s natural lens — is aspirated and replaced with a multifocal implant, exactly as in cataract surgery. It is one of the lens-based techniques of refractive surgery. The results are definitive and durable: the patient gets full treatment of their presbyopia and will no longer need cataract surgery later, since the natural lens has already been replaced.

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PreLex: the essentials

Principle: the clear lens is replaced with a multifocal implant (as in cataract surgery)
Treats: presbyopia + myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism
Best for: patients over 50 wishing to be free of glasses at all distances
Bonus: no future cataract surgery needed
Both eyes: one eye per week, with an anaesthetist present
Recovery: 1 to 7 days
Dr Bourdon’s fee: €4,000 for both eyes (€2,400 if early cataract)

How does PreLex work?

PreLex is carried out exactly like cataract surgery with a multifocal implant, in two stages (one eye per week), with an anaesthetist present:

Local anaesthesia and sedation, under the operating microscope.
A 2.2 mm micro-incision; the lens capsule is opened.
The natural lens is aspirated (phacoemulsification).
A multifocal implant is injected and unfolds in the capsule.
An intracameral antibiotic is given; the incision is self-sealing.

Duration: 15 to 30 minutes per eye. The other eye is operated a few days later.

Advantages and limits

Advantages: full treatment of presbyopia and other errors, definitive result, no future cataract, glasses independence at several distances.
Limits: intraocular surgery, possible night-time halos with multifocal implants (neuroadaptation), best suited from age 50.

Other techniques: PRK · LASIK · SMILE · Phakic ICL implant

Frequently asked questions about PreLex

What is the difference between PreLex and cataract surgery?

The technique is identical: the natural lens is replaced with an implant. The difference is the indication — PreLex is done on a clear lens to correct presbyopia and refractive errors, whereas cataract surgery is done on a clouded lens.

Will I still get a cataract after PreLex?

No. Because the natural lens has been replaced with an artificial implant, a cataract can no longer develop. You will not need cataract surgery later.

Who is PreLex for?

Mainly patients over 50 with presbyopia who want to be free of glasses at all distances, especially when laser is not ideal (high hyperopia, an ageing lens).

Are night-time halos a problem?

Multifocal implants can cause halos at night at first, which fade with neuroadaptation over the following weeks and months. The implant choice is tailored to your eyes and lifestyle.

How much does PreLex cost in Toulon?

Dr Bourdon’s fee is €4,000 for both eyes (€2,400 if an early cataract is already present), post-operative consultations included. Many insurers cover part of the cost.

Sources

Article written and reviewed by Dr Hugo Bourdon, ophthalmic surgeon at the Clinique Saint-Michel ELSAN and the Centre Iris – Institut Toulonnais d’Ophtalmologie (281 rue Jean Jaurès, Toulon).