Refractive Lens Exchange

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an elective advanced vision correction procedure that helps patients achieve improved vision and relief from presbyopia without the use of a laser. Unlike LASIK, which concentrates on corneal abnormalities, Refractive lens exchange is designed to improve the condition of presbyopia by addressing the eye’s problem lens.

During this corrective technique, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced, just like in cataract surgery. An artificial lens is implanted in place of the natural lens for permanent vision enhancement. The new lens, referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL), may be either multi-focal or accommodating for great vision at all distances. Refractive Lens Exchange has helped countless men and women get clear vision up close, eliminating the need for reading glasses.

Good candidates for refractive lens exchange have moderate or high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness. The advantages of Refractive Lens Exchange include rapid visual recovery, predictable results, and the elimination of any need for cataract surgery in the future.

RLE patients have the choice of three different lenses — Crystalens, ReZoom, and ReSTOR — each with its own unique advantages. A skilled vision correction surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your eye health and choose the lens that can give you the best vision results.

The Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) patients are given topical numbing eye drops before the procedure begins. Your RLE surgeon then makes a tiny incision at the corneal edge. An ultrasonic probe is used to break up and remove the lens matter. The chosen lens implant is then inserted into the lens capsule.

The refractive lens exchange procedure takes only about 20 minutes, and many patients will experience clear or drastically improved vision within minutes. You are instructed to use special eye drops for a few weeks following surgery to facilitate healing. Your surgeon will let you know when you can expect to resume normal activities before you leave the office.

Possible complications of refractive lens exchange are rare but include:

• Increased risk of retinal detachment
• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Visual distortion
• Loss of visual clarity
• Implant dislocation
• Glaucoma
• Corneal dryness
• Induced astigmatism
• Floaters
• Wound leak

As with any vision correction procedure, you can minimize your risk of complication by choosing a vision correction center with a reputation for safety and precision. When looking for a San Francisco refractive lens exchange surgeon you can trust, make sure you ask questions about experience, complication rates, and technology.

Learn more about eliminating your dependence on glasses and contacts with the advanced refractive lens exchange procedure. Call or email San Francisco’s Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley for a comprehensive and informative consultation.