Refractive lens exchange (RLE) can be an effective solution for individuals with severe hyperopia or presbyopia. Also known as refractive lensectomy or clear lens exchange, it is a surgical solution, where the natural lens of your eyes is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
While this may sound a lot like cataract surgery, it is performed before a cataract is formed and is highly beneficial for people above the age group of 40. If you are struggling with your vision, but not fit for procedures like LASIK, RLE can be a great solution. Many patients who undergo this procedure achieve sharp, clear vision at multiple distances and can live without glasses.
One of the best places to get the procedure done is Blue Fin Vision because they are not only very clear about Refractive lens exchange cost but also have experts to guide you through.
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
In refractive lens exchange, a surgeon removes the natural lens of your eyes and places an intraocular lens, so you can see without glasses or contacts once again. The difference between RLE and other methods is, that the IOL stays inside your eye permanently.
Once the new lens is in place, it works like your original lens and focuses light properly on your retina. After the surgery, you can do the majority of tasks without any visual aid, except for reading small prints.
This procedure is often recommended for people who aren’t fit for laser eye corrections like PRK or LASIK that reshape the cornea to enhance your eyesight. In such cases, RLE is provided as a long-term solution.
Why Consider Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive Lens Exchange is more than just a vision correction procedure, especially for people who cannot undergo other procedures. If you have been told LASIK isn’t right for you due to very severe hyperopia, myopia, or thin corneas, RLE may be the alternative for you.
Unlike PRK or LASIK, RLE works by replacing your eye’s natural lens with a custom-made artificial lens and this particular approach has many benefits.
Clear Vision
RLE can significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for eyewear. Many people enjoy sharp vision at all distances after the surgery without any visual aid.
Presbyopia Correction
If you are over 40 and struggling with reading up close, RLE can fix age-related farsightedness with multifocal lenses.
No Impact On Corneal Thickness
Since RLE doesn’t involve reshaping your cornea, you don’t have to worry about complications related to thinner corneas, which is a big concern if you get LASIK.
Permanent Results
One of the best things about RLE is that it gives you a permanent result. Once you get the procedure done, you don’t have to wear glasses ever again. This is something that is not true for some other procedures, hence RLE is better.
Skip Cataract Surgery Later
Another thing about RLE is that it eliminates the need for cataract surgery later in life. That’s because cataracts form in the natural lens and RLE removes that lens completely.
Potential Risks And Complications
Despite all the good things, RLE does have some risks that you need to be aware of before you get the surgery done. It is recommended you have a detailed conversation with your doctor because they can help you understand the intricacies of the procedure better.
Compared to LASIK, RLE is slightly more invasive as it involves working inside the eye. This is one reason, why surgeons recommend RLE only to people who need it.
Here are some possible complications of RLE:
Infection
Though rare, infections can occur, which is why you need to take proper care of your eyes after the surgery.
Glaucoma
An increase in eye pressure after surgery may lead to glaucoma if you don’t address it timely. If you experience any such thing, consult your doctor without delay because you wouldn’t want to get any worse.
Retinal Detachment
This is a serious risk, especially in nearsighted patients, so make sure to follow the precautionary measures advised by your doctor.
Bleeding
Some people may experience internal eye bleeding. Although it happens rarely, it is a serious concern, so you shouldn’t take it lightly.
Incorrect Vision Correction
Sometimes the lens may not correct your vision fully. If this happens, you will have an incorrect vision.
Lens Dislocation
If you are not being careful, the new lens can shift out of place and may need repositioning.
Posterior Capsule Opacification
In this case, a cloudy membrane may form behind the implanted lens, which needs to be fixed as it occurs. This can be helped by a professional with a simple laser procedure.
Refractive Lens Exchange is a great solution for people with vision problems, especially those who cannot get PRK or LASIK done. If your doctor recommends it, you should get it done and enjoy long-term results afterwards. In case, you see any signs of trouble, consult your doctor at once.
