Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an alternative to LASIK or PRK, especially if a patient is presbyopic (loss of reading vision), too nearsighted, too farsighted, or has corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction. In RLE the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial one to achieve stronger focus/power. It is also a viable alternative for those over the age of 40 and for those who may be showing signs of developing cataracts.

Middle-aged patients with early signs of cataracts can choose to have a refractive lens exchange before waiting for them to advance far enough making cataract surgery a requirement. Artificial lenses can provide better vision without the addition of contacts or glasses.

For younger patients with extreme hyperopia (farsightedness), LASIK is generally not an option; therefore some opt for refractive lens exchange. With an artificial single-focal lens, distance vision can be corrected, but reading glasses would still be needed. If the patient qualifies for a multi-focal lens, the use of reading glasses can be less frequent.

Dr. Denman will determine which type of lens replacement is best for the individual patient and discuss options unique to their situation. Some lens options Dr. Denman prefers to work with...

Premium Single-Focal Lens Implants:

Alcon AcrySof IQ Lens Implant - for patients without astigmatism, gives the best potential for quality vision, typically for distance only. In addition to filtering UV light, this lens also filters blue light, therefore further mimicking a natural lens. Alcon AcrySof IQ Toric Lens Implant - for patients with astigmatism. Abbott Medical Optics Tecnis Monofocal Implant - this lens utilizes Wavefront technology to achieve improved vision and contrast sensitivity.

Premium Multi-Focal Lens Implants:

Multi-focal lenses enable better vision for distance and reading with less dependence on glasses than single-focal lenses. Dr. Denman and his team will determine appropriate multi-focal lens candidates based on each unique situation.

Alcon AcrySof ReStor IQ Lens Implant Tecnis Multifocal

What to Expect During Surgery
The refractive lens exchange procedure is similar to that of cataract surgery. Only one eye is done at a time, and the second eye can be done 1-2 weeks later. It is an outpatient procedure that will only take a few minutes to perform. When you arrive, your eye will be treated with eye drops and anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the operation.

During this routine operation, a small incision is made in the eye. Dr. Denman will use a tiny instrument (about the size of a pen tip) to remove your natural lens. This is done with an ultrasonic instrument that breaks up and gently removes your natural lens (called phacoemulsification). Once this is accomplished, Dr. Denman will insert the artificial intraocular lens (IOL) into your eye.

Following the procedure, you will be given a short time to rest. Then, the very same day, you can go home. Within the next 24 hours, Dr. Denman and his team will probably want to see you for an evaluation. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and to help your eyes heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a shield, especially at night, to prevent you from rubbing your eye.

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