What to Expect After Refractive Lens Exchange
Most people have heard of LASIK laser eye surgery. However, you have many other options. Refractive lens exchange has several benefits over laser vision correction. This procedure gives you new artificial lenses that improve your vision.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your natural lens with an artificial one. The lens is a clear structure that focuses light as it enters the eye. When light does not focus on the retina, objects at different distances look blurry. RLE places a new lens that corrects the angle of incoming light, giving you clear vision.
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?
Refractive lens exchange begins with numbing your eyes so you feel nothing during the procedure. Your surgeon makes a small opening in the capsule that contains your lens. A small tool breaks up and removes the lens. Your surgeon places the new lenses into the capsule, where you will never notice it. The opening heals without sutures. The entire RLE procedure takes about 15 minutes.
What to Expect After Refractive Lens Exchange
One benefit of refractive lens exchange is that you do not have to wait to see results. The new lens starts working right away, and most people immediately see more clearly. The most common effects after RLE are minor irritation and glare around lights. Eye drops will improve these, and they will resolve quickly. Most people can return to work within one week. Your surgeon will tell you when you can resume other activities like strenuous exercise.
One of the greatest benefits of RLE is how long it lasts. Once your new lens is in place, it can stay there for a lifetime. LASIK results are affected by several age-related changes that RLE can prevent. Your natural lenses will become stiff as you age, causing presbyopia. Artifical lenses never undergo these changes. Artificial lenses also protect you from cataracts (age-related changes that cause cloudy lenses).
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.
What is the Best Age to Get Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange can provide clearer vision for people of almost any age. You can have RLE if you are 18 or older. RLE also makes an excellent option for those who are nearing their 40s and may soon start to experience presbyopia. Unlike the results of LASIK, your RLE results will stay sharp and clear for a lifetime. Your new lenses are intended to last and will never need to be replaced.
Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
Good candidates for refractive lens exchange want long-term vision correction. RLE candidates should have reasonable expectations and healthy eyes. Only an eye examination can determine whether RLE is a good option for you. You might not be a candidate if you have certain health problems that affect your eyes.
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!
