Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is quite similar to cataract surgery. The only difference is that the lens removed from the eye in RLE is clear (not yet a cataract) rather than clouded. The procedure removes the natural lens of the eye, replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL). A multi-focal IOL corrects the prescription to give you greater focus and reduce your need for reading glasses or bifocals.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)
BENEFITS
If you are suffering from extreme farsightedness or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an effective treatment that can improve vision through the use of an intraocular lens (IOL). LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures are generally ineffective in correcting these conditions, especially presbyopia. Patients who do not want to rely on reading glasses may undergo RLE to improve their vision and reduce dependency on glasses. Dr. Sonny Goel can perform refractive lens exchange to restore your vision.
RESULTS:
Whether you will need eyeglasses or contact lenses after refractive lens exchange depends on the type of intraocular lens used. Monofocal IOLs have been used extensively in cataract surgery and clear lens exchange. They offer excellent vision and contrast sensitivity and have low instances of vision disturbances such as halos and glare.
Monofocal IOLs have been used extensively in cataract surgery and clear lens exchange. They offer excellent vision and contrast sensitivity and have low instances of vision disturbances such as halos and glare.
However, because monofocals are designed to focus only at one distance, you will likely need glasses for up-close tasks such as reading fine print and working at a computer (but monovision can help with your near vision). Multifocal and accommodating IOLs enable you to focus at all distances, to overcome presbyopia as well as poor distance vision.
