What Can RLE Correct?
Laser vision correction is not always the best treatment option for patients who are severely farsighted (meaning they have trouble seeing clearly up-close). In a similar circumstance, some people in their 40s and 50s come into our office complaining that their near vision is getting worse and they are worried that they are becoming farsighted. In reality, most of these latter patients are experiencing the signs of presbyopia.
These are two different vision conditions that can both be corrected by the same procedure: refractive lens exchange (RLE). This process involves removing the natural eye lens and replacing it with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that is designed specifically to help you achieve the clear vision you want. After a comprehensive evaluation, our doctors can recommend the right type of IOL to meet your vision requirements and match your lifestyle (monofocal, multifocal and toric).
What Are The Steps of RLE?
RLE is very similar to cataract surgery – but you do not have to have cataracts to experience the benefits. In fact, you may even be spared the experience of developing cataracts in the future!
The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and the incisions heal naturally without any stitches. Plan to give yourself a week to recover from RLE. Your final vision results may take a bit longer to achieve as your vision stabilizes. Your new lens will not be noticeable to other people and you won’t even know it is there – you’ll just be reminded of how great life can be without lenses.
Step 1
Anesthetic eye drops are administered to numb your eye (only one eye is treated at a time).
Step 2
Your doctor makes a small incision on the cornea to gently break up and remove the natural lens.
Step 3
A pre-determined IOL is inserted into your eye.
How Can Life Change After RLE?
RLE has restored clearer, crisper, youthful vision to many of our patients. For those leading active lives who desire to have a reduced dependence on glasses, we offer a variety of Lifestyle Lenses that can be life-changing. In fact, some patients don’t need glasses at all after surgery.
Call us today to schedule a free RLE Consultation to see if you are a candidate.
