How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?
When you think of vision correction, do you immediately think of LASIK? You may not know you have an alternative to laser eye surgery. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) improves your vision by removing your natural lens and replacing it with a clear lens that focuses light correctly. This procedure offers clearer vision that can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Your lenses are the clear, disc-shaped structures located at the front of your eyes. They adjust the angle of light as it enters the eye, ensuring that it focuses correctly on the retina. If the light does not focus properly, your vision will be blurry. Refractive lens exchange removes your natural lens through a minor procedure and replaces it with an artificial one that corrects your vision.
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?
Refractive lens exchange uses a small incision to access the capsule that holds your lens. The lens is removed from the capsule, and the artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL) is placed inside. Dr. Senekal usually uses a foldable implant, allowing him to use the smallest possible incision. This procedure usually takes about fifteen minutes. The incision usually does not require sutures and will heal itself.
The lens will remain securely in place for a lifetime and does not need to be replaced. It performs all the functions of your natural lens, along with correcting your vision. You will have improved close, intermediate, and distance vision almost immediately.
What are the Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?
Dramatically improved vision is only one of the benefits of refractive lens exchange. Another significant benefit is that your IOL will never develop the age-related conditions that affect natural lenses. You will never need cataract surgery, and you will not develop presbyopia (age-related difficulty with close-up vision).
Request a Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange is an option for almost anyone over the age of 18 seeking vision correction. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and healthy eyes. You may be a candidate for this procedure even if you are not a candidate for LASIK because of thin corneas, a high prescription, or other factors.
Is There Any Downtime After Refractive Lens Exchange?
Another benefit of refractive lens exchange is the minimal downtime. Your new lens works as soon as it is implanted, and you will notice clearer vision immediately. You may experience minor irritation, sensitivity, and halos or glare around lights for a few days, but we will provide eye drops to help. Most people return to work and most of their usual activities within a week.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about refractive lens exchange, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!
