Are you looking for a permanent way to improve your vision? Do you want to avoid getting cataracts?
There are different options for improving your vision. They include LASIK, PRK, refractive lens exchange or phakic IOL surgery. These are for farsightedness and presbyopia. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange or RLE is when a surgeon replaces the natural lens in your eye with an IOL. This allows you to see and minimizes your reliance on bifocals or reading glasses.
Who should get refractive lens exchange surgery?
People can get refractive lens surgery for a variety of reasons and conditions. Most people who get RLE do it because they are very farsighted or have presbyopia.
For these individuals, PRK, LASIK, or phakic IOL surgery are not good options. If you have a high level of hyperopia and presbyopia, RLE might be the only option for vision correction.
Some people also consider a refractive lens exchange for nearsightedness. This is not typically recommended.
LASIK, phakic IOLs, and PRK are other options for treating nearsightedness. Also, a refractive lens exchange is a great option if you want to avoid having cataracts in the future.
What is the refractive lens exchange surgery process?
The process for refractive lens exchange is almost the same as cataract surgery. The only real difference is that during RLE, the natural lens that’s being replaced is clear.
During cataract surgery, this lens is already cloudy because of cataracts. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
Each eye is done about a week apart. Your surgeon will not do both eyes at the same time.
It takes about a week to recover and get back to your normal activities. It can take a few weeks to experience the final results from the procedure.
Are there different intraocular lens options?
This is the same as cataract surgery, but there are three main options for IOLs. The IOL will replace your natural lens. Picking out the right IOL depends on your eye health and vision needs. The options include:
Monofocal fixed-focus IOLs:
This type of IOL gives you clear vision at close up or far away distances. The lens only does one distance at a time.
With a monofocal IOL, you’ll need to wear reading glasses to see at other distances.
Accommodating IOL:
This is a type of IOL that lets you see several distances by moving like the lens in your eye. Accommodating IOLs are a premium lens option, meaning you won’t need to wear glasses with them to see.
Multifocal IOL:
This type of IOL lets you have clear vision at several distances without needing glasses. Accommodating IOLs and toric IOLs (for those with astigmatism) are multifocal IOLs.
Deciding to get refractive lens exchange surgery is up to you and your doctor. Refractive lens exchange is a great option for those trying to avoid cataracts.
Do you want to explore the possibility of undergoing a refractive lens exchange? The first step is talking to a doctor about your options and if refractive lens exchange is right for you.
Schedule an appointment at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN!
