Refractive lens exchange, or RLE, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing your eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, but instead of removing a cloudy lens, the eye surgeon replaces a clear lens with an IOL to improve your vision.
The artificial lens is custom-made to suit your specific visual needs, taking into account factors such as your eye's shape, size, and refractive error. There are various types of IOLs available, including the advanced Light Adjustable Lens, which can help you achieve clear vision at different distances or correct astigmatism.
Refractive lens exchange is generally recommended for patients over forty years old who have presbyopia, a condition that affects your ability to focus on close-up objects. You may also be a good candidate for RLE if you have:
During your consultation at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, our experienced eye surgeons will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if refractive lens exchange is the best option for you. They will assess your eye health, measure your refractive error, and discuss your lifestyle and visual goals to help you make an informed decision.
Refractive lens exchange is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than thirty minutes per eye. Before the procedure, your eye will be numbed with drops to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
The refractive lens exchange surgeon will make a small incision in your cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of your eye. Through this incision, they will use an ultrasonic device to break up and remove your natural lens.
Once the lens is removed, the refractive lens exchange surgeon will insert the artificial IOL into the empty lens capsule and position it correctly. The incision is self-sealing and usually doesn't require stitches.
Refractive lens exchange is a relatively quick procedure, taking less than thirty minutes per eye. However, you should plan to spend about two to three hours at the vision correction center on the day of your refractive lens exchange surgery to allow time for pre-operative preparations and post-operative monitoring.
After the procedure, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as your vision may be blurry. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, but it's essential to follow your refractive lens exchange surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Refractive lens exchange offers numerous benefits for patients seeking to improve their vision and quality of life. These include:
Refractive lens exchange can significantly decrease or even eliminate your need for corrective eyewear, giving you greater freedom and convenience in your daily life.
By correcting refractive errors, refractive lens exchange can help you achieve clearer, sharper vision at various distances, depending on the type of IOL you receive.
Since your natural lens is replaced during refractive lens exchange, you will not develop cataracts later in life.
With the various IOL options available, the refractive lens exchange procedure can be tailored to your specific visual needs and preferences.
IOLs are designed to provide stable, long-term vision correction, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of refractive lens exchange for many years to come.
Refractive lens exchange is an excellent option that can help many people experience greater visual freedom. The first step to experiencing the results of refractive lens exchange is to schedule an evaluation at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center.
At Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, we offer advanced IOL options, including the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). The Light Adjustable Lens is the first ever lens that is customizable, allowing your surgeon to fine-tune your vision after cataract surgery using UV light treatments.
This innovative technology enables precise tailoring of your visual outcomes, taking into account factors such as your individual healing response and lifestyle needs. The Light Adjustable Lens offers advantages over traditional IOLs, including adjustability, reduced need for additional procedures, and improved quality of life.
Our experienced eye surgeons will work with you to determine if the Light Adjustable Lens is the best choice for your refractive lens exchange.
At Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their best possible vision through personalized, state-of-the-art eye care. If you're considering refractive lens exchange or have questions about the procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced eye surgeons.
Together, we can determine if RLE is the right choice for you and take the first step towards clearer, brighter vision. Schedule an appointment at Clear Advantage Vision Correction Center in Portsmouth, NH, today!
Clear Advantage Vision Correction
155 Borthwick Avenue,
Suite 200 E.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
