For those who desire to enhance their vision and reduce their reliance on corrective lenses, laser eye surgery is a common alternative.
But not everyone is an excellent candidate for LASIK, and some people cannot have it done. Do you want to try out an alternative?
Refractive lens exchange is another treatment that you can consider doing. With RLE, a doctor can surgically swap out the natural lens of a patient’s eye for an intraocular lens (IOL).
The advantages and hazards of refractive lens exchange depend on a person’s age, the degree of their refractive defect, the type of visual issues they are experiencing, and their desired results. If you wish to know more and whether you’re a good candidate for it or not, keep on reading and get your answers below.
What is lens replacement surgery?
People over the age of 50 are often excellent candidates for refractive lens exchange surgery, also known as lens replacement surgery.
If a patient is unable to have laser eye surgery, this procedure is the best alternative.
Some individuals are ineligible for laser eye surgery due to a thin or uneven cornea, an unstable prescription, or a prescription that falls beyond the acceptable range.
People who undergo lens replacement surgery can see better without relying on corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts.
If you want to do refractive lens exchange and you need a skilled team, this is a good recommendation. The exam is quick and easy, and the surgery itself is also painless while giving the best results.
Who is a good candidate for it?
You may be a suitable candidate for RLE if you match a few criteria. For instance, people who have moderate to severe myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia who would like to avoid wearing corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) are not good candidates for laser eye correction.
Ask your eye doctor about RLE if it seems interesting since it can be hard and tricky to know about each person & each case.
Top 4 Pros Of Refractive Lens Exchange & What to Expect
1. Better visual
Refractive lens exchange provides long-lasting vision correction that enhances visual acuity.
For those who would prefer not to wear corrective lenses, laser vision correction (LVC) is still a well-liked substitute.
On the other hand, LVC couldn’t be as successful as refractive lens exchange in terms of offering a long-lasting fix and the best eyesight possible.
This is due to the intraocular lens used in RLE, which replaces the natural lens of the eye, not degrading over time and being designed from the beginning to provide the best eyesight possible.
2. Suits different eyes & conditions
Every person is a specific case in their own way, with health issues and eye concerns that are only known to them. For instance, if the patient has a dynamic cataract, it is best to perform cataract surgery as soon as possible.
The advantages of this procedure are that the cataract is being treated, the patient’s visual loss has been eliminated, and the patient is less likely to acquire a cataract in the future.
Patients who have cataract surgery using multifocal lens technology can expect to maintain excellent uncorrected distance and near vision into old age if their eyes remain healthy and they do not develop macular degeneration, glaucoma, or any other age-related eye disease.
3. Great if you can’t do anything else to your eyes
RLE is the best choice if you are not a good candidate for other types of treatments.
As a final option to restore your clear vision, your doctor may prescribe RLE if no other eye procedures can be performed.
Due to the varying severity of underlying eye diseases, the benefits of RLE may differ from patient to patient (s).
You might get all of the aforementioned benefits, depending on the condition of your eyes.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that RLE might be your only option for treating your eye condition, or at least, a realistic one that provides the chance of improved eye health and other benefits.
4. Reasonable prices
Lens replacement surgery costs vary by type. You are looking at pricing from $1000-$2500.
Although pricey, the benefits are sharper vision and long-lasting benefits. As you know, your health shouldn’t come into question with a certain price point. In most clinics, the price point covers a thorough assessment, diagnostic tests, and many consultations.
By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear, individualized treatment plan to offer you confidence. It is also customized to your concern, age group & type.
Cons of Refractive Lens Exchange & What to Expect
Although refractive lens exchange has several advantages, patients should also be aware of any possible cons. Some of them for you to watch out for are:
- Patients with certain corneal illnesses or conditions that delay healing are ineligible for therapy
- Halos or glare surrounding lights are typical adverse effects of refractive lens exchange.
- Some individuals report passing redness or agitation around their eyes in the first few hours or days after the treatment.
- Retinal detachment and infection are uncommon consequences.
Risks are also another important factor to consider.
Luckily, RLE has a relatively low-risk profile in terms of surgical treatments.
Even though problems are rare, surgery is always risky to some extent.
Your surgeon will go over these potential side effects in great detail before any treatment. You could also experience eye irritation, and bleeding as well as a lazy/hanging eyelid.
Ready to see things clearly and as they are?
So, are you ready to try out RLE? Since now you know what to expect and what the process looks like, are you eager to try it out? Just make sure that you’re the right candidate for this procedure. Think twice and talk with your doctor before you book an appointment. In the end, we know that you’re going to love the results and their benefits.
