WHAT IS REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE?
The highly trained group of specialists at The Eye Center Of Southern Indiana are delighted to perform RLE (refractive lens exchange). RLE is virtually the same thing as cataract surgery; however, this procedure can be performed regardless of whether a patient has cataracts. In the case of RLE, the surgery is performed to correct or significantly reduce certain types of refractive errors and allow focusing power and clear vision at multiple ranges.
RLE can be a great treatment alternative for individuals who deal with extremely high degrees of myopia or hyperopia and who aren’t ideal candidates for laser refractive vision surgeries. An attractive bonus is that a synthetic lens isn't susceptible to cataracts, offering long-lasting clarity of vision regardless of your age.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE?
There are many advantages to undergoing RLE surgery at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana. Our professionals are well-trained in performing this procedure and our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure successful outcomes. Since the synthetic lens is unaffected by cataracts, it has the potential to offer a lifetime of clear vision. This procedure may also be ideal for those who are not suitable candidates for LASIK surgery or other laser treatments due to corneal thickness. Additional benefits include:
- A quick and minimally invasive procedure
- Achieve clearer vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Safe and effective, with minimal risk of complications
WHAT IS RLE SURGERY LIKE?
Most commonly, RLE is reserved for individuals with drastic degrees of myopia or hyperopia that can't be corrected through laser refractive procedures. RLE may also be recommended for patients whose corneal tissue is insufficiently thick for LASIK or other common kinds of laser eye surgeries. Following your first consultation at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, we will ascertain the most effective type of intraocular lens for your unique vision needs. The Eye Center of Southern Indiana conducts RLE as an outpatient surgery that, in most cases, is completed in about 15 minutes. If you plan to receive RLE for both eyes, you should wait about seven days between surgeries. On the day of your surgery, our team will apply eye drops to fully desensitize the eyes and sometimes a gentle anesthetic to increase relaxation when requested. Your surgeon will make an exceptionally tiny incision in the cornea and use the latest technology to easily fragmentize the existing lens and remove it. Then, we will position the customized lens in its place using the same tiny site, which will heal without sutures in a few days. As the anesthetic eye drops dissipate, you could notice some slight soreness. This should only continue about 48 hours and is easily handled with drugstore analgesics. There can also be some haziness of vision that persists for several weeks as your eyes heal.
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE FAQ
What is refractive lens exchange (RLE)? RLE is a surgical procedure at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana that replaces the eye's natural lens with an artificial one. It's typically used to correct vision issues like presbyopia and can reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Is RLE safe? Yes, RLE is considered a safe procedure. Like any surgery, there may be risks, but complications are rare and typically manageable with proper care.
How long is the recovery from RLE? Recovery from RLE usually takes about a week. Regular follow-up appointments and following your doctor's instructions will aid in a smooth recovery.
LONG-TERM CLEAR VISION
Refractive lens exchange at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana is an innovative elective procedure that can dramatically improve not only your vision but your general feeling of independence. For people who may not be great candidates for less-invasive treatments, refractive lens exchange has the potential to lessen or eliminate the need for glasses, as well as the likelihood of having cataracts. Reach out to or visit our Bloomington, IN location to set up your evaluation.