Refractive Lens Exchange
At Chicago Arbor Eye Institute, our eye doctors are committed to helping patients achieve greater visual freedom. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an advanced procedure that can significantly improve your vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange, also known as RLE, is a vision correction procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed only to correct refractive errors rather than to remove a cloudy lens.
Refractive lens exchange can effectively address a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea, RLE works by changing the eye’s focusing power at its core.
This makes it an excellent option for those who may not be suitable candidates for treatments like LASIK or PRK.
How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?
The refractive lens exchange procedure is a sophisticated yet straightforward process. Here’s what you can expect:
Preparation
Your eye will be numbed with drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Lens Removal
Using advanced technology, your RLE surgeon will create a tiny incision in your eye. Through this opening, they will carefully break up and remove your natural lens.
IOL Insertion
Once the natural lens is removed, the specially selected artificial intraocular lens is inserted through the same small incision.
Recovery
The incision is so small that it typically heals on its own without stitches. Most patients experience improved vision within a day or two after the procedure.
The entire process usually takes about fifteen minutes per eye, and both eyes can often be treated within a week of each other. Refractive lens exchange is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.
Who is a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
RLE can be an excellent option for many people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The best way to know if you might be a good candidate for refractive lens exchange is to have a consultation with your eye doctor at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute.
Adults over 40
If you’re experiencing presbyopia, which is difficulty seeing up close, in addition to other refractive errors, RLE can address both issues at the same time.
Those with High Refractive Errors
If you have severe nearsightedness or farsightedness that may be beyond the range of laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange could be an ideal solution.
People With Thin Corneas
Unlike laser procedures, refractive lens exchange doesn’t involve reshaping the cornea, making it an excellent option for those with naturally thin corneas.
It’s important to note that RLE may not be recommended for those with certain eye conditions or overall health issues. A comprehensive eye exam and consultation with one of the experienced eye doctors at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute will determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
What Are My IOL Options For Refractive Lens Exchange?
One of the most exciting aspects of RLE is the variety of intraocular lens options available. At Chicago Arbor Eye Institute, we offer several advanced IOLs to suit different vision needs and lifestyles:
Monofocal Toric IOLs
These lenses correct astigmatism and either near or distance vision. They provide clear vision at one focal point, typically for distance, with reading glasses needed for close-up tasks.
Vivity and Vivity Toric IOLs
These innovative lenses offer an extended range of vision, providing clear sight from distance to intermediate, with some near vision capability. The Toric version also corrects astigmatism.
Symfony IOLs
These lenses are designed to provide a continuous range of high-quality vision from distance to intermediate, with some near vision capability.
PanOptix IOLs
These trifocal lenses offer clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, potentially eliminating the need for glasses in most situations.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss these options in detail and help you choose the IOL that best fits your visual needs and lifestyle.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
Refractive Lens Exchange at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute offers a path to reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses and improved quality of life. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.
