U Vision Group
Uptown Eye Specialists
Refractive Lens Exchange
Our team at UELC understands that laser vision correction is an extremely important decision that could alter your life immeasurably. Your eye care team consists of eye healthcare specialists and highly qualified surgeons that are extremely skilled and sub-specialized in their respective fields. Your eye care team will be with you throughout every step of your laser vision correction journey.
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Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your eye’s clear natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that permanently corrects your refractive error to achieve sharper focus, thus greatly reducing or entirely eliminating your need for reading glasses or bifocals. Because the procedure is the same as a cataract operation, using a sophisticated, aspheric implant, you can never develop cataracts after having the refractive lens exchange procedure.
In fact, the 10-minute RLE procedure is virtually identical to cataract surgery. First, our eye surgeon employs the latest anesthesia techniques to freeze the eye without using a needle. A microscopic, self-healing incision is made in the cornea, and the most advanced ultrasound technology is used to remove the eye's lens. The defective lens is then replaced with a new foldable artificial lens, which unfolds easily and automatically takes the natural lens's place.
There is no one size fits all solution for every patient, and each type of implant has its advantages and disadvantages regarding the best uncorrected vision it produces at different distances. Your eye surgeon will examine your eyes to recommend the type of lens most suitable for your individual needs.
Within minutes after the surgery, natural processes seal the micro-incision in the cornea. The lens implant remains within your eye without needing further care after surgery.
After refractive lens exchange surgery, it usually takes about a week to resume regular work, driving, and daily activities, as your eyes need this time to heal naturally. After that time, you won’t feel the IOL in your eye because it doesn’t sit on the eye's surface like a contact lens, but rather inside the eye. The artificial IOL is designed to last the rest of your life, with extremely minimal risk of your prescription changing or deteriorating over time.
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
Am I a suitable candidate for LASIK vision correction?
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Are RLE and LLE safe?
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Who is a Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Laser-assisted Refractive Lens Exchange (LLE)?
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What is ReLACS?
What are Signs of Ageing in the Upper & Lower Lids?
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Lower Lid Blepharoplasty vs. Upper Eyelid Surgery
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What is UltraView ReLACS?
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Refractive Lens Exchange: A Comprehensive Guide
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure that aims to improve or restore vision by replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that can improve your distance vision, reading vision or both. RLE is an excellent option if you are not a candidate for trandisional laser eye surgery, such as LASIK.
How does RLE work?
During the RLE surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL acts as a permanent implant that provides clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. The type of IOL chosen depends on the patient's visual needs and eye health. The surgery typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthesia.
Who is a good candidate for RLE?
RLE is recommended for patients who are over 40 years old and wish to reduce their dependence on glasses and contacts. This procedure can improve near and distance vision as well as astigmatism.
What are the benefits of RLE?
The main benefit of RLE is improved vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Other advantages include reduced risk of developing cataracts in the future, improved night vision, and enhanced color perception. RLE can also correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error that causes blurred vision.
What are the potential risks and complications of RLE?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with RLE. Our eye care professionals will review all risks during a consultation.
Aftercare following RLE surgery
After the surgery, patients will need to rest for a few days to allow their eyes to heal properly. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and refrain from rubbing their eyes for at least two weeks. Follow-up appointments with the eye surgeon will also be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal vision correction.
Contact UELC to Get Started!
Refractive Lens Exchange is a safe and effective procedure for correcting refractive errors and achieving clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. It is important to consult with the experienced eye surgeons at UELC to determine if RLE is the right option for you. Proper aftercare following surgery is also crucial for successful outcomes. With RLE, many patients can enjoy clear vision well into their golden years. So if you are considering RLE, make sure to reach out to UELC to determine if it is the best option for your individual needs and goals. Your future self will thank you for investing in your vision health. Keep seeing the world clearly with RLE! Remember, better vision means a better life.
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Our team is ready to help you.
We aim to care for our patients compassionately in a technologically cutting edge environment using the latest advances in clinical research.
