Are you sick of wearing glasses or contact lenses? If so, you are not alone.
Every year, millions of people around the world struggle with vision problems. A significant percentage find themselves reliant on glasses or contact lenses just to make it through the day.
It’s a common scene: the fumbling for spectacles first thing in the morning or the nightly ritual of removing contact lenses before sleep. But what if there were a way to decrease, or even completely eliminate that dependence?
Enter the world of refractive lens exchange (RLE). This is a surgical procedure that’s been gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional vision correction methods.
In this blog post, we’re diving into the top FAQs about refractive lens exchange. We’ll provide clear and comprehensive answers to help you make an informed decision about your eye health. Keep reading to find out more.
1. What Is a Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an eye surgery designed to improve vision. It’s often used for people with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, or those who can’t undergo LASIK eye surgery.
In this procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. This new lens can be customized to correct specific vision problems, just like glasses or contact lenses would.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an eye surgery designed to improve vision. It’s often used for people with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness.
In this procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. This new lens can be customized to correct specific vision problems, just like glasses or contact lenses would.
2. How Is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure for refractive lens exchange isn’t too different from cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is a common and well-practiced operation.
First, your doctor will use eye drops to dilate your pupil. Then, a tiny incision is made in the cornea, the clear front part of your eye.
Your doctor will then carefully break up the natural lens with ultrasound before they remove it. Next, he or she will put the artificial lens in its place. The entire process typically takes about 15 minutes per eye.
There are a few types of artificial lenses that can be used in refractive lens exchange. These include monofocal, multifocal, and accommodating lenses.
Monofocal lenses have a single focus strength for clear vision at one distance. Usually, people who get these lenses still need glasses for near or distance vision.
Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, have different areas designed for near and far vision, much like bifocal glasses. These lenses might reduce your need for glasses.
Accommodating lenses are designed to adjust for near and distance vision.
3. What Are Alternative Types of Treatments
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular alternatives to refractive lens exchange. In LASIK, a doctor will reshape the cornea to improve vision. It’s usually best for people with mild to moderate vision problems.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another option, similar to LASIK. Instead of creating a flap in the cornea, the outer layer is removed.
For those with extreme nearsightedness, a procedure called phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implants may be an option. In this procedure, an artificial lens is added to the eye without removing the natural lens.
4. How Effective Is the Surgery and What Is Its Cost?
The cost of refractive lens exchange can vary widely, depending on where you live and the specific type of lens you choose. Generally, the cost can range from $3,000 to $6,000 per eye.
Insurance often does not cover RLE as it’s usually considered an elective procedure. Refractive lens exchange is often very effective at correcting severe farsightedness and nearsightedness.
Most people who have the surgery end up with significantly better vision. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks.
These include infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor before deciding on the surgery.
5. What Is the Recovery Period After RLE?
Recovery after refractive lens exchange usually takes about 1-2 weeks. During this time, it’s common to have blurry vision and experience some discomfort.
Your doctor will provide you with eye drops to help with healing and prevent infection.
As your eye heals, your vision will gradually improve. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities during this period to protect your eye health.
6. Why Has My Eye Doctor Never Discussed RLE with Me?
Eye care professionals often discuss vision correction options like LASIK vs PRK first as they’re more commonly used for mild to moderate vision problems.
RLE is typically recommended for more severe cases or when other procedures aren’t suitable. If you’re curious about RLE, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your doctor.
7. How New Is This Surgery?
People have used artificial lens implants in eye surgeries like cataract removal for decades.
The use of these implants for refractive lens exchange to improve vision health has become more common in the past 10 to 15 years. As technology advances, these procedures continue to become safer and more effective.
Common Refractive Lens Exchange Questions
If you are searching for a way to improve your vision, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common refractive lens exchange questions.
Remember that this is a simple and quick procedure. It is also highly effective and inexpensive. Lastly, understand that you will recover very quickly.
Are you looking for a LASIK center in Austin that can perform a refractive lens exchange? If so, Eye LASIK Austin can help you.
We are the LASIK authority of Central Texas. Don’t hesitate to book your free consultation today!
