Are you over the age of forty and dealing with age-related farsightedness, also known as presbyopia? Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly?
If so, you may be a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery. RLE is a cutting-edge surgical procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision problems such as presbyopia, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, RLE surgery addresses the root cause of refractive errors by replacing the lens itself. Keep reading to learn more about refractive lens exchange surgery, including what it is and who is a good candidate for it!
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange is a procedure done in an outpatient setting to replace your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. The artificial lens is called an IOL or intraocular lens.
The IOL functions similarly to contact lenses or glasses. It has a specific vision prescription that’s customized to you, allowing you to see more clearly.
The main difference is that while contacts or glasses are removable, an IOL remains permanently in the eye. The new artificial lens functions like a natural eye lens, meaning it bends light as it enters the eye and sends it back to the retina.
Once you receive refractive lens exchange, there’s a good chance you won’t need to wear glasses or contacts any longer, or at least not as often.
What Are the Steps to Getting RLE?
Treatments like LASIK reshape the cornea to improve vision. For many people, LASIK is an excellent option for gaining greater visual freedom.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. Refractive lens exchange is another refractive surgery option that can allow you to significantly reduce your dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses.
Before you can get RLE, you will need to visit your eye doctor for a consultation. During this visit, they will determine whether you are a good candidate.
If you are a good candidate, you will be cleared for the procedure. On the day of your RLE surgery, here is what to expect:
Preparation
First, you’ll receive numbing drops and medication to help you feel more at ease. While you’ll be awake during the procedure, your vision will be blurry.
Eye Incision
Then, your RLE surgeon will make a small incision in the front surface of your eye that allows them to access the natural lens. After breaking your natural lens into small pieces, they will gently remove them with suction.
New Lens
Next, they will insert your new lens and position it in your eye. After this, the procedure is complete, and the tiny incision in the front of your eye will heal naturally.
You will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Your eye doctor will provide you with a list of instructions on how to take care of your eyes and rest during your recovery to avoid any complications.
Do you want to learn more about RLE or determine if you might be a good candidate for this procedure? Schedule an appointment at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY, today!
