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Lens Implants & Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that change the shape of the cornea, refractive lens exchange (RLE) and cataract surgery remove the eye's natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens implant. Lens implants are usually made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic and are designed to stay in the eye permanently. There are several types of Lens Implants, which can be either monofocal (focus at a single distance), multifocal (focus at distance, near and intermediate range) or accommodating (which means it can dynamically change its focal point at many distances). RLE and cataract surgery both use the same types of lens implants and the same procedure, but cataract surgery is a medical procedure done to remove a cataract and RLE is an elective procedure done to correct focus problems when there is no cataract.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

RLE is primarily recommended for people over the age of 45 with clinically significant amounts of nearsightedness or farsightedness that can't be easily corrected with traditional laser procedures such as LASIK or people who are not interested in LASIK Monovision. RLE is an outpatient procedure that takes about 20 minutes to complete. After anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, the surgeon uses ultrasound energy, called phacoemulsification, to replace the natural lens with a lens implant. The self-sealing incision heals without the need for any stitches. Recent advancements in lens technology have resulted in the development of lens implants. RLE can minimize one’s dependence on glasses, reading glasses and bifocals.

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is formed when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy and causes blurry vision. Cataracts are a normal part of aging and about 50% of all Americans over 65 have cataracts, as do 70% of those older than age 75. Cataracts can occur at any age and can be the result of injury, medication or radiation therapy.

A cataract is painless and usually develops gradually over several months or years. The beginning of a cataract in one or both eyes may cause decreased night vision, impaired depth perception, and increased color distortion. There is no single, objective test for diagnosing cataracts. A doctor analyzes patient symptoms and performs a regular eye exam to make the diagnosis.

A cataract doesn't need to be removed immediately; cataract surgery can almost always be postponed until you are unhappy with the way you see. An updated eyeglass prescription may help improve vision and delay your decision to have surgery. If you do have surgery, it is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The cloudy lens is removed with high frequency phacoemulsification ultrasound. An artificial lens is then implanted to take the place of the lens that was removed. It takes a few weeks for the eye to heal completely, but the patient is able to return to normal activity soon after surgery.

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• LASIK & Realistic Results
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• LASIK & Near Vision
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