Surgeries
Myopia
Eye Disease
Hyperopia
Eye Disease
Refractive Lens Exchange is commonly
referred to as clear lens extraction or presbyopic lens
correcting intraocular surgery. RLE is an emerging type
of refractive surgery very similar to cataract surgery.
Like many other types of refractive surgery, including
LASIK eye surgery, Refractive Lens Exchange corrects
nearsightedness and farsightedness. The desired refractive
result is achieved with the insertion of a lens implant
known as an IOL.
Refractive Lens Exchange is a
great option for an ophthalmologist to utilize when
vision problems extend beyond the limits of lasers.
For example, if a patient is too nearsighted but also
has a reading issue one of these new multifocal lenses
may be a good option.
Prior to the advent of the multifocal
lens refractive surgeons often performed monovision
LASIK or simply just corrected the myopic disorder and
then the patient just required glasses for reading.
This type of refractive surgery may also be useful if
a patient has extremely thin corneas not capable of
handling laser surgery.
Several visual situations could
lead your surgeon to choose refractive lens exchange
as your best option for vision correction. As reading
vision problems begin to set in for many people in their
40s and 50s this type of surgery starts to make a lot
more sense. Due to the multifocal capabilities of these
new lens implants you now see at both far and near distances.
Since cataract surgery is on the horizon and your natural
lens will be removed you may consider this option ahead
of time.
Refractive Lens Exchange uses the same technique used
in cataract surgery. This technique has been used for
decades and is the best method for cataract removal
and lens insertion. During the surgical procedure the
patient is first prepped using a local anesthetic and
drops. After the eye has been sterilized the surgeon
will make a 2.5 to 3 millimeter incision in the eye.
In order to see inside the eye our doctors perform this
delicate surgery with a powerful magnifying microscope.
A device known as the emulsifier
is inserted to the eye and begins to remove the natural
lens. Once all of the lens material has been evacuated
a foldable intraocular lens is inserted in the same
place as the old lens. Refractive lens exchange is performed
on an outpatient basis and only one eye is treated at
a time. After the surgery is complete you will be required
to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Most
patients report rapid visual improvement immediately
after surgery.
• Reduces the dependence on glasses and contact
lenses
• Rapid visual recovery
• Excellent results without the using a laser
• Eliminates the need for cataract surgery in
the future
Your expectations for the surgical outcome needs to
be realistic and discussed with your surgeon prior to
surgery. Replacing your natural lens with an artificial
lens requires a little getting used to. Many people
will experience and adjustment period while your brain
is learning to see up close and at a distance with the
new lens. The adjustment period typically ranges from
6 to 12 weeks and is in some cases even longer. It is
not uncommon for patients to experience glare and haloes
around objects immediately after the surgery. Over the
course of time these effects should begin to diminish.
