Laser vision correction is one of the most popular types of elective surgery in the United States. LASIK is the best-known laser eye surgery, but it’s not necessarily the best option for everyone.
If you have been told that you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK, you may want to consider refractive lens exchange. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a type of vision correction surgery that can be an excellent alternative for people who can’t have LASIK but still want to gain greater visual freedom.
Keep reading to learn 6 reasons to consider refractive lens exchange!
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
LASIK and similar laser vision correction procedures correct vision by changing the shape of the cornea. RLE works by replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
IOLs are corrective lenses that improve similar to how a contact lens works. Since the IOL is placed inside the eye, it provides permanent vision correction. The surgery itself only takes about 20 minutes per eye.
Your eye doctor will administer special eye drops to numb the surface of the eye so you won’t feel any discomfort. You will also receive medication to help you stay relaxed during the procedure.
Once your eyes are prepared, your eye doctor makes a small incision on the surface of the eye. We use specialized tools to gently break up the natural lens and remove it.
Then, we place the IOL into the pouch where the natural lens is used to sit. Once the IOL is in position, the surgery is complete without any need for stitches.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing RLE?
There are many reasons to choose RLE for laser vision correction.
RLE Treats Many Refractive Errors
RLE surgery can correct a variety of common vision issues, including:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
RLE can be a good option for people who have a prescription for glasses that is too severe to be corrected by LASIK.
RLE can also correct age-related farsightedness. Known as presbyopia, this vision change occurs due to the aging the lens of the eye over time. These changes are why so many people over 40 need reading glasses for the first time.
Reduce Dependence on Glasses and Contacts
RLE can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. Many people who have undergone RLE have been able to reduce or eliminate their dependence on visual aids after the procedure.
Vision Correction at Multiple Distances
You can choose your IOL to address your specific vision needs. There is a range of IOLs that offer a variety of benefits. Your eye doctor will help you determine which lens might be best for your vision goals and lifestyle.
Cataract Prevention
Cataracts occur when the proteins that make up the natural lens of the eye clump up and cause cloudy patches. This reduces the amount of light that can pass through and obstructs vision.
Most cataracts are age-related, and most people will develop them eventually. Setting aside many invalidated claims you may see on the internet, surgery is the only successful way to treat cataracts.
Cataract surgery, like RLE, involves replacing the clouded lens with an IOL, which can prevent cataracts from developing in the future. Choosing RLE surgery prevents the chance of developing cataracts later in life, though over time there is a small chance of developing posterior capsular opacification, also called secondary cataracts.
This happens due to clouding of the membrane around the RLE but does not affect the RLE itself. Your ophthalmologist can correct the issue with a quick, painless laser procedure in the office.
RLE is Permanent
Like LASIK, RLE offers permanent vision correction. You will not need to repeat procedures to adjust your vision.
Once you have had surgery, it is unlikely you will need any other lens-based surgery in the future. However, it’s important to note that no refractive procedure can prevent other changes that may happen to your eyes over time.
Quick Results
The vision improvements from RLE start right after surgery. Most people notice changes to their vision in the first few days after the procedure.
Your vision will improve as your eyes heal, with full results being noticeable and stable within 1 to 2 months.
Who Should Consider RLE?
RLE is a good option for people who want permanent vision correction but are not candidates for LASIK or other corneal surgeries. This includes people with thin corneal tissue, prescriptions that are too extreme for LASIK, and people with age-related vision changes.
RLE is commonly recommended for people over 40 who have farsightedness, presbyopia, or early cataracts.
Are you ready to see if you’re a candidate for RLE surgery and its many benefits? Schedule an appointment at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis, IN, today!