The times when people would opt for LASIK or PRK surgeries are long gone. Today, refractive lens exchange surgery has revolutionised the world of eye care. If you are suffering from incorrect vision, refractive lens exchange (RLE) can prove a groundbreaking procedure for correcting your vision.
RLE focuses on replacing your natural eye lens with artificial ones to enhance your vision. It is the best treatment option for someone who cannot opt for or isn’t suitable for laser surgery. If you want to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, RLE will help you set free.
Let’s explore more about the things that you should know before opting for clear lens replacement surgery.
Take the first step towards clearer vision with Refractive Lens Exchange – book consultation now!
A] What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
As mentioned, refractive lens exchange fixes any refractive errors in your eye. It helps in making your vision clearer by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Unlike LASIK or PRK surgeries, RLE surgery doesn’t interfere with the shape of the cornea of your eye.
This surgery is highly effective for people who suffer from extreme presbyopia, or severe hyperopia (farsightedness). RLE is also beneficial if you are looking forward to a permanent and long-lasting solution for vision correction.
Once you undergo the refractive lens exchange surgery, you will have eliminated the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Your vision will become correct and clear.
Clear lens exchange is very different from LASIK or conventional cataract surgery. For instance, in the LASIK surgery, the medical practitioner will reshape the cornea of your eye. Similarly, cataract surgery focuses on removing cloudy lenses affected by cataracts. Most people are ineligible for these surgeries because of the ongoing medical issues. For such people, refractive lens exchange surgery can be a go-to option for vision correction.
B] Who Is Eligible For Clear Lens Exchange?
The below-mentioned are a few conditions that make you eligible for an RLE surgery.
- If you are over 40 years old and suffering from presbyopia.
- People with severe hyperopia (farsightedness) or high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) can also opt for this surgery.
- Clear lens exchange surgery is also an option for people who are not suitable for undergoing other vision correction procedures.
- If you want to live your life without glasses or contact lenses, you can choose this transformative permanent vision correction surgery.
- Patients ineligible for LASIK due to issues with their cornea can also go for RLE surgery.
The age factor also plays a great role in determining a person’s eligibility for this surgery. Generally, doctors recommend this surgery to people who are over 40 years old and suffering from a natural decline in their sight. However, young people can also benefit from a clear lens exchange as it provides long-term results.
It is important to note that not every person is eligible for clear lens exchange. Individuals suffering from eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe dry eye syndrome, or retinal issues might not be able to undergo the RLE treatment.
C] The Procedure: What To Expect
Let us take a look at what the clear lens exchange surgery looks like.
1. Preoperative Assessment
Before the medical practitioner initiates the surgery, they will undertake a thorough examination of your eye. Based on the assessment, the doctor will determine the right intraocular lens power for vision correction.
2. Anaesthesia
On the day of surgery, you’ll receive local anaesthesia from the eye surgeon. It will help in numbing your eye so that you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Incision
The surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea. The incision will be less than 3 millimetres in size and will help access the eye’s natural lens.
4. Lens Removal
Using advanced surgical techniques, the surgeon will remove your eye’s natural lens using ultrasound energy.
5. IOL Implantation
After removing the lens, the surgeon will insert a custom-selected intraocular lens (IOL) into your eye. IOL will correct your specific refractive error and improve your vision.
The surgeon will position the lens properly and align it accurately so that you have a better vision.
6. Incision Closure
In most cases, the small incision that the surgeon makes in the cornea heals by itself and does not require stitches. The doctor might also provide you with a protective shield to cover your eyes and prevent infections.
D] Refractive Lens Exchange Pros And Cons
The refractive lens exchange success rate is very high. Almost all the people who undergo this treatment benefit greatly. However, some people also complain of a few side effects that come with this treatment. Let us take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of RLE.
Pros
- RLE provides you with a permanent vision correction solution. Once you undergo this surgery, you can say goodbye to your glasses and contact lenses.
- The surgery serves as a perfect solution for multiple refractive errors. It can help in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Cons
- Since RLE is a surgical intervention, it puts you at risk of infections and complications.
- Clear lens exchange is a more expensive procedure than other vision correction methods.
- Patients can experience glare, halos, or reduced contrast sensitivity after the surgery. This can be due to lighting conditions and pupil size.
- People with certain eye conditions might not be able to opt for this surgery.
E] Post-Operative Care For Lens Exchange Surgery
Right after your surgery, you might experience a little discomfort and also have blurry vision. However, if you follow good post-operative care, you can heal at a much faster rate.
Here are some tips to help you recover after your RLE eye surgery.
- First of all, make sure that you are following all the instructions that your medical practitioner or the medical team suggested.
- Strictly adhere to any medication that the doctor suggests to reduce the inflammation and promote healing.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activities and get sufficient rest.
- Attend all the follow-up appointments with the surgeon so that he can assess your situation and monitor your healing progress.
Taking proper care after the lens exchange surgery will prove beneficial in the long run. Many people ask ‘Is refractive lens exchange permanent?’ Yes, it is. So, if you follow the surgeon’s guidelines for recovery, you will see lifelong results.
F] How Much Does Refractive Lens Exchange Cost?
The refractive lens exchange cost can start from £2,600. It can go higher depending on the extent of the procedure and the type of IOL that is chosen for you.
Take the first step towards clearer vision with Refractive Lens Exchange – book consultation now!
Conclusion
Refractive lens exchange serves as the best option for people who want to correct their vision. It allows you the freedom to let go of your glasses and contact lenses to lead a more fulfilled life.
Clear lens exchange provides you with a permanent solution that helps you see normally throughout your life. It is the best treatment for people who cannot undergo LASIK or other eye surgeries to improve their vision. RLE surgery has a very high success rate which makes it a popular choice for many patients. Contact us today to learn more about RLE.
Frequently Asked Questions
The below-mentioned are a few common questions that people have regarding clear lens exchange.
Q) What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Ans: Refractive lens exchange is a surgical intervention that aims at the correction of your vision. It replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one.
Q) What Is RLE Surgery?
Ans: RLE surgery or clear lens replacement surgery corrects refractive errors in a person’s eyes. It replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens.
Q) What Is Eye Lens Replacement Surgery?
Ans: RLE surgery corrects refractive errors and corrects the vision of the person permanently.
Q) How Long Does Refractive Lens Exchange Last?
Ans: The RLE surgery is a permanent vision correction method and lasts a lifetime.
Q) What Are The Side Effects Of Refractive Lens Exchange?
Ans: The side effects of RLE include inflammation and discomfort right after the surgery. Additionally, some people might also experience glare, dry and itchy eyes, halos, and reduced contrast sensitivity.
Mr. Bal Manoj
With over 25+ years of experience in advancing eye care, Mr. Bal Manoj serves as director and co-founder of Paragon Clinic in Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Stafford. His expertise in cataract surgery, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology, coupled with a track record of 10,000+ successful procedures, reflects his commitment to excellence. Connect with Mr. Bal Manoj today for expert eye care solutions.