Imagine a life less dependent on glasses or contact lenses. At Bowden Eye & Associates, we are proud to offer refractive lens exchange, which can provide you with greater visual freedom, especially if you are over forty.
Refractive lens exchange, also known as clear lens extraction or RLE, is a vision correction procedure that can help people reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The technique for refractive lens exchange is similar to cataract surgery, but it’s performed on individuals who don’t have cataracts.
During RLE, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, also called an IOL. This new lens is designed to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Unlike other vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea, RLE addresses vision problems by replacing the eye’s lens entirely. RLE can be an excellent option for people who are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK or PRK.
It’s particularly beneficial for those with high refractive errors or early signs of cataracts.
The RLE procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes about fifteen to twenty minutes per eye. First, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Your RLE surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida, will then create a tiny incision in the cornea, usually less than 3 millimeters wide. This small incision allows for quicker healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Next, a specialized instrument breaks up and removes your eye’s natural lens. This process, called phacoemulsification, uses ultrasound energy to fragment the lens, which is then gently suctioned out through the small incision.
Once the natural lens is removed, the artificial intraocular lens is carefully inserted through the same small incision and positioned in place. These advanced IOLs are designed to remain in your eye permanently and require no maintenance.
The incision is so small that it typically seals itself without the need for stitches. Your eye will be protected with a shield, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
RLE is usually performed on one eye at a time, with the second eye typically being treated a week or two after the first. This approach allows for proper healing and adjustment between procedures.
RLE can be an excellent option for many people seeking vision correction, but it’s not suitable for everyone. People over forty who are experiencing presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, can be good candidates for RLE.
RLE with multifocal or accommodating IOLs can address both distance and near vision issues. People who are not good candidates for LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or other factors can also be good candidates for RLE.
The only way to know for sure whether or not RLE may be right for you is to have a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist.
During your initial screening, we will examine your eyes and perform comprehensive testing to make sure that RLE surgery is the right procedure for you. These tests will ensure your eyes are healthy and can handle RLE. The chart below explains available vision correction procedures and which one may be right for you.
Recovery after RLE is generally quick and comfortable for most patients. Immediately after the procedure, your vision may be blurry, which is normal.
Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a day or two, with continued enhancement over the following weeks. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure, and you’ll be given eye drops to use for several weeks to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Most people can return to work and resume normal activities within a few days, but it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise or activities. Your eye doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and vision improvement.
These typically occur the day after the procedure, after a week, and then at regular intervals as needed. Full visual recovery usually occurs within a few weeks to a month, although this can vary depending on individual healing rates and the type of IOL used.
At Bowden Eye & Associates, we offer a range of intraocular lens (IOL) options for Refractive Lens Exchange. Each type of IOL has unique benefits and is designed to suit different vision needs and lifestyles.
These innovative lenses are designed to mimic the natural focusing ability of the eye. Accommodating IOLs have the unique ability to move within the eye to focus at different distances, similar to how the eye’s natural lens functions.
The RxSight Light Adjustable Lens offers a unique advantage in that it allows for post-surgery vision optimization. Adjustments are made through a series of light treatments at the doctor’s office, providing the ability to preview and customize vision based on lifestyle needs.
This lens offers unparalleled personalization but requires multiple post-operative visits for adjustments.
Multifocal lenses, such as the Panoptix, are advanced options that provide clear vision at multiple distances. These lenses offer clear vision for distance, intermediate, and near tasks, making them ideal for activities like computer work, reading, and driving.
Many patients find they can reduce their dependence on glasses for most activities with monofocal IOLs.
Do you want to learn more about refractive lens exchange or determine if this procedure might be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Bowden Eye & Associates in Jacksonville, FL, today!
7205 Bentley Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32256
12341 Yellow Bluff Rd #4
Jacksonville, FL 32226
206 Ashourian Ave. #215
St. Johns, FL 32092
