Refractive lens exchange | Alternative to Reading Glasses

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

Refractive lens exchange allows patients a clear alternative to reading glasses. This procedure is capable of reducing, even eliminating presbyopia by using an advanced multifocal intraocular lens.

The LASIK procedure concentrates on correcting your cornea, while refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens of your eye with an advanced multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). This allows you to see objects far away, up close, and at every distance in between.

Even better, patients who undergo a refractive lens exchange procedure never have to worry about cataracts as they age because the advanced refractive lens used in this surgery will remain clear.

This procedure is ideal for older patients who are farsighted or nearsighted and want to decrease their dependence upon reading glasses.

The procedure

During the refractive lens exchange surgery, a small incision is made at the edge of your cornea. A special probe will then be inserted through this incision to break up and suction out your damaged lens. An optometrist will then insert an intraocular lens implant into position. The entire procedure takes only 20 to 30 minutes, and recovery is quick.

The benefits of refractive lens exchange include:

• Rapid visual recovery
• Permanent results without the use of a laser
• No need for future cataract surgery
• Reduces the need for glasses and contact lenses

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is basically cataract surgery, but it is used solely for refractive purposes. Also called Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), and Refractive Lens Replacement (RLR), this procedure is often an alternative to conventional LASIK, Wavefront LASIK, LASEK, PRK and epi-LASIK.

Disadvantages of RLE

The primary disadvantage of refractive lens exchange is that it's considerably more invasive than any other cornea-based refractive surgery. If you are extremely nearsighted (myopic) you could have an elevated risk of vitreous or retina problems following this procedure.

Serving the residents of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, Dr. Gary Kawesch and his team of experienced optometrists and friendly staff can help you see clearly once again. Please contact our office today for an initial consultation.

1.800.725.0740