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Refractive Lens Exchange
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
The Refractive Lens Exchange procedure is done utilizing a femto-second laser to remove and replace the non-functioning crystalline lens of the eye, most often with multifocal implant. This procedure is for patients who want to reduce their need for glasses and contacts. RLE can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia in patients who otherwise may not be a good candidate for LASIK or PRK. Refractive lens exchange is almost identical to cataract surgery, however the lens being replaced is clear, instead of a cloudy lens caused by a cataract. By replacing the aging lens within the eye, you are eliminating the need for cataract surgery in the future.
Are You a Candidate for RLE?
- Experiencing presbyopia and want to decrease dependency on reading glasses
- Diagnosis of early cataracts
- Require corrections for severe myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Free of eye disease
- Thin corneas
- Poor candidate for LASIK
- Typically over the age of 50
Recovery Expectations
The procedure is done in an outpatient setting and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You can expect to be at the center for roughly 2 hours. Patients are seen for follow up visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Patients do need a driver on surgery day as well as at their 1 day follow up. There are 3 eye drops that will be used post operatively a few weeks following surgery. Most patients are able to resume regular activity and return to work with a few minor exceptions.
Refractive Lens Exchange Doctor
Samantha Schneider-Johnson, DO
