What is Clear Lens Replacement?
Clear Lens Replacement, also referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a procedure performed on an outpatient basis, aimed at minimizing or completely removing the need for glasses. RLE serves as an alternative to laser vision correction and other refractive surgeries. It addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia by utilizing advanced intraocular lens implants (IOLs). This procedure involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial lens (IOL) to enhance vision clarity, thereby reducing or eliminating the necessity for reading glasses, or bifocals. And, you will never develop cataracts.
The Daily Struggles of Reading Glasses
For those over 40, reading glasses often become an essential yet frequently frustrating part of daily life. Misplacing them, struggling to read menus in dimly lit restaurants, or managing multiple pairs for various tasks can quickly lead to stress and inconvenience. Additionally, the ongoing expense of replacing scratched lenses, lost pairs, or updating prescriptions as vision changes can be burdensome.
When should I consider this for my vision concerns?
Refractive Lens Exchange is recommended for individuals dealing with presbyopia, a condition that gradually requires the use of reading glasses as one ages, or for those with significant farsightedness (hyperopia) where LASIK, PRK, or phakic IOL surgery are not suitable options.
In cases where a patient experiences both presbyopia and hyperopia, lens exchange may be the only effective solution for achieving clear vision with minimal reliance on glasses after surgery. Although lens replacement surgery can also correct myopia (nearsightedness), it is generally not advised if LASIK, PRK, or phakic IOLs are appropriate alternatives.
What’s the difference between LASIK, Cataract, and Clear Lens Replacement?
Many vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, change the focusing power of the eye by using a laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea.
Clear Lens Exchange is different. It corrects your vision by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens. The power of each lens is adjusted to your specific eye length and corneal curvature.
The Clear Lens Exchange procedure is effectively identical to cataract surgery. The difference is that in Clear Lens Exchange, the lens being replaced is typically your body’s natural clear lens. During a cataract procedure, the cloudy, cataract lens is the one being replaced.
Clear Lens Exchange offers a one-time solution that provides clear,
sharp vision for life.
Contact Beth Egan, RN, Cataract and Clear Lens Exchange Surgical Coordinator for more information.
Contact: 585-342-7985
The Rochester Eye & Laser Team : Sep 28, 2018 3:44:49 PM
The Rochester Eye & Laser Team