What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
If you have considered laser eye surgery for your blurry vision, you have another option that may work even better. Refractive lens exchange provides lasting correction of many vision problems. With minimal recovery time and amazingly clear results, this procedure continues to increase in popularity.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is also known as clear lens exchange (CLE). During RLE, your natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. Vold Vision uses the PanOptix® intraocular lens, an advanced lens that provides clearer vision at near, intermediate, and long distances. People who cannot have laser eye surgery may still be good candidates for RLE.
Many people who have RLE choose it to treat presbyopia. This condition affects almost everyone over the age of 40 and causes nearby objects to look blurry. Presbyopia occurs when the natural lens becomes stiffer with age. Without its normal flexibility, it cannot focus light correctly. RLE replaces your lens with the PanOptix® lens, often eliminating the need for reading glasses. RLE is also an excellent option for younger individuals looking for different vision correction choices.
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?
Your Vold Vision team will prepare you for the procedure by numbing your eyes and giving you an IV to help you relax. You will not feel anything while your surgeon works. They will open the capsule containing the lens and remove the lens itself. They will then fill the space with your new PanOptix® lens. The incision is so small that you will not need any sutures. After observing you to ensure you fully recover, we will provide aftercare instructions.
What are the Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?
While laser eye surgery like LASIK is the most well-known type of vision correction, RLE has many benefits that make it an excellent choice for many people.
- Effectively treats or even prevents presbyopia
- Will never develop cataracts
- Lasts a lifetime and does not need to be replaced
- Requires minimal recovery time
- Takes less than fifteen minutes
- Provides clear, sharp vision
- Works for many people who cannot have laser eye surgery
- It may eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses
RLE is a life-changing option for those dealing with presbyopia and other vision problems. Since it does not involve incisions in the cornea, it is a good option for some people who cannot have LASIK due to corneal problems.
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 Recovery Like After Refractive Lens Exchange?
You may notice improvements in your vision immediately after the procedure. You can return to most of your usual activities within 24 hours. You may experience temporary itching, irritation, or sensitivity and see haloes or glare around lights. You should not wear eye makeup, engage in contact sports, or go swimming for a week after an RLE procedure. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and provide guidance for resuming various activities.
Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
Most healthy adults make good candidates for RLE. We often recommend this procedure for those near or over 40 looking for vision correction. However, this is not an age limit. People of all ages may not qualify for laser eye surgery but make good candidates for RLE. They may also choose the procedure due to its other benefits. You may not be a good candidate if you have certain eye conditions or health problems.
What Results Will I See With Refractive Lens Exchange?
Most people see a rapid improvement in their vision after RLE. You may be able to stop using your reading glasses or contact lenses. 99% of those who had a PanOptix® lens replacement would have the procedure again. Along with vision at near, far, and intermediate distances, you also receive lifelong protection from several conditions. Intraocular lenses will not develop presbyopia, and they do not develop cataracts. Many people feel reassured knowing that they will never need cataract surgery.
Take the Next Step
You’ll benefit not only from the latest technologies available but also from our compassionate, personal approach. You’re more than a patient at Vold Vision in Bentonville and Fayetteville. We strive to make you as comfortable as possible while evaluating the optimal treatment plan just for you. We invite Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale residents to contact us today for a consultation at (479) 442-8653.
