1. Refractive Lens Exchange

2. Illustrated guide to Refractive Lens Exchange

3. How do I get more information?

If you’re fed up of wearing glasses, but have been told that you’re not a candidate for LASIK, there is a new vision correction option that may be best for you. It’s called Refractive Lens Exchange - RLE for short – and it’s designed mainly for people who are over 40 and are not good candidates for LASIK. 

Unlike LASIK and other refractive surgery techniques that correct vision by altering the shape of the cornea, RLE corrects your vision by altering the focusing power of the eye’s lens. To do this, we replace your natural lens with a new intraocular lens (IOL).  Like the lens of a camera, which focuses images sharply on the film, the eye’s lens focuses light and images on the retina at the back of your eye. With RLE, your natural lens is replaced with an IOL chosen to give you the finest vision for your requirements. RLE is well suited for people over 40 because that is the age that nearly all of us begin to lose the ability to focus up close. This occurs when the natural lens becomes less flexible, and no longer accommodates as well to altering its focus from distant to near vision. Then reading glasses or bifocals are needed for close work. (Image by Mark Erickson; Property of JirehDesign.com)

Some IOLs used in RLE have a fixed focal length and do not accommodate. If you chose this type, you may desire to have your new lens offer sharp distance vision for driving, golf, and similar activities. Or you may require near vision for reading, computer work and other close activities. The option is yours. Another choice is a unique type of accommodating IOL that allows the eye to focus both up close and far away. This special lens allows the eye to focus naturally without glasses. Before the procedure, your eye is precisely measured using precision state-of-the-art ultrasound instruments. These measurements are entered into a sophisticated formula to calculate the exact corrective power of your intraocular lens.

If RLE is a good fit for you, your procedure will be performed using the same advanced techniques that have been so successful in restoring sight for people with cataracts. These include the use of intraocular anesthesia, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication for patient comfort, safety and rapid healing. In fact, most RLE patients are able to get back to their normal activities the very next day. While RLE is not right for everyone, it may be the option you are looking for. To find out if you are a candidate for RLE, or for one of the other refractive procedures available at the Eye Republic Ophthalmology Clinic, speak to a member of our medical staff about having an evaluation today.

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An IOL is a clear, artificial lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. With an IOL, you'll have improved vision because light will be able to pass through it to the retina. Also, you won't feel or see the new lens. The self-sealing corneal incision precludes the need for stitches, however, one may receive one or several stitches in some instances.

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