What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Dr. Kristin Held proudly performs refractive lens exchange (RLE) for San Antonio, TX patients. RLE is technically the same thing as cataract surgery, although the patient doesn't yet have cataracts. Instead, the patient's lens is changed out with a customized intraocular lens (IOL) to eliminate or significantly reduce refractive problems and the dependency on glasses or contacts.
RLE is often a fantastic treatment alternative for individuals who have severe nearsightedness or farsightedness or astigmatism. It may also help those with thin corneas if they don't qualify for laser eye procedures, like LASIK. Plus, one awesome perk about IOLs is that you won't develop cataracts, which means RLE eases that worry. Please call or visit Eye Surgeon Direct to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Held, and learn more about RLE.
Reviews
What to Expect from Refractive Lens Exchange Treatments
Once you've had your initial visit at Eye Surgeon Direct to determine if you're a candidate for RLE, Dr. Held will select the best kind of IOLs for your particular vision needs. Performed as an outpatient procedure, you generally require two appointments at about 15 minutes each. In between each appointment, you will need to wait 7 – 14 days. During an IOL procedure, we:
- Administer numbing eye drops
- Place an eye speculum to reduce movement
- Provide a gentle sedative for comfort
- Make a tiny incision in your corneal tissue
- Use a specialized device to remove your natural lens
- Implant your artificial lens
One of the best parts about this surgery is the ability to recover quickly and without the need for sutures. Following your treatment, you may experience some discomfort, but this will only last for a couple of days, and you may use nonprescription pain medication to alleviate the issue. Often, patients can have enhanced vision over the course of a few days, and RLE may even eliminate the need for glasses and contacts. We will provide aftercare instructions and what symptoms to expect. Please be sure to attend all follow-up appointments, which help Dr. Held assess your healing progress.
Long-Term Clear Vision
Refractive lens exchange at Eye Surgeon Direct is an advanced elective procedure that can truly enhance your vision and your overall feeling of independence. For adults who might not be great candidates for laser refractive surgery, IOLs could lessen or completely eliminate the dependence on contacts or glasses. Please contact or visit our San Antonio, TX eye care facility to schedule your consultation.
