What is a Refractive Lens Exchange?

If your vision concerns are due to a dysfunctional natural lens, you might not be a good candidate for LASIK or PRK laser surgery. A refractive lens exchange can correct these vision problems. It can even free you from needing glasses or contact lenses, and your new lenses will never develop cataracts. 

Edmonton Refractive Lens Exchange

What is a Refractive Lens Exchange?

Laser vision corrections like LASIK and SMILE can correct vision problems for many people, but not everyone. People who have more significant issues with focus on distant and near objects may benefit from a refractive lens exchange. This procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens that improves your focus for distant and near tasks. Dr. Senekal offers lenses that provide improved vision at any distance and even lenses to correct some types of astigmatism. 

How Does a Refractive Lens Exchange Work?

To perform a refractive lens exchange, Dr. Senekal makes a small incision at the side of the cornea. Next, a round opening is made in the lens capsule, and the lens is removed by ultrasound. The artificial lens now takes its place. The incisions are so small that they require no sutures and heal by themselves. Treatment takes less than fifteen minutes per eye, and both your eyes can be done on the same day.

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Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange

Your surgeon might recommend a refractive lens exchange over LASIK or SMILE  for several reasons. Some reasons to choose refractive lens exchange include:

You Might Not Be a Candidate for Lasik or SMILE

Your cornea might be too thin to safely perform laser vision correction, or your refractive error might be too big for Lasik or SMILE.

You may have vision problems that cannot be corrected by LASIK or SMILE, such as a dysfunctional lens. In this case, you may be a good candidate for refractive lens exchange. This procedure can even give people with significant refractive errors clear vision. 

You Have Early Stage Cataracts

If you want vision correction, but your surgeon determines that you have begun developing cataracts, they might recommend a refractive lens exchange. This surgery is almost identical to cataract surgery. Once the natural lenses have been replaced, you will never have to worry about cataracts again. 

You Want Freedom From Corrective Lenses

Refractive lens exchange can give you sufficient functional vision to let you reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Your new, artificial lenses will not lose focus or decline over the years, so you can expect your clear vision to last for many years. 

Am I a Good Candidate for a Refractive Lens Exchange?

Your surgeon will determine whether laser eye surgery or refractive lens exchange will work best for you. If you do not qualify for LASIK or SMILE but still want to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, you may be a good candidate for refractive lens exchange. 

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To learn more about this treatment, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (780) 452-4111. We look forward to helping you!

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