What Is Refractive Lens Exchange? Here’s All You Need to Know

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange? Here’s All You Need to Know

Oct 01, 2020

Refractive lens exchange is a revolutionary treatment, which can correct many visual errors, including cataracts. It’s a very safe procedure that is being performed worldwide, with over 3 million people enjoying the benefits of refractive lens exchange in Vaughan, ON.

If you have worn glasses for a long time, you may think refractive lens replacement is too good to be true. However, you might be able to reduce or completely stop using your glasses after you undergo refractive lens exchange.

We have made significant strides in eye surgery technology. Lens replacement has a high success rate. The procedure typically takes approximately 15-30 minutes per eye.

However, we are aware that this concept can be confusing to you and can hinder you from making the correct choice. Here are some facts that you need to know about lens replacement surgery.

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is also referred to as a clear lens exchange or lens replacement surgery. This groundbreaking treatment can be better than LASIK, phakic IOL, or PRK when it comes to treating people with farsightedness or presbyopia.

The whole aim of the procedure is to remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) so as to correct the refractive error. This will help you gain a sharper focus, and it will reduce your dependence on reading glasses.

This treatment is ideal for people who have extreme farsightedness or presbyopia, for whom phakic IOL and LASIK aren’t suitable options.

The procedure is quite similar to cataract surgery. The only difference between the procedures is that it’s a clear lens that is being replaced and not a cloudy lens that is caused by cataracts.

Refractive lens exchange can be used to correct myopia, but it is not recommended if LASIK, phakic IOL, or PRK are available.

What Types of Lenses Are Used?

Every patient is unique, and each eye is different. There are different types lens implants, and our optometrist can help you navigate through the choices so that you can pick the right one.

Here are the types of lenses that are available:

  • Monofocal Lenses

Monofocal lens can provide clear vision at a distance, intermediate or close range, but it cannot provide all the three options at once. We can put a distance lens in one eye and use a near range lens in the other non-dominant eye. However, this can work on some patients but not every patient.

  • Multifocal Lenses

With these lenses, you have the option of having clear vision at multiple distances. In other words, you can see far and, at the same time, read without using glasses.

  • Accommodating Lenses

With this lens, you can focus at multiple distances since this monofocal lens can shift its position in the eye.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Typically, this is a 15-minute procedure and is done on an outpatient basis. Each eye is usually done separately, ideally, a week apart.

Here are the steps:

  • Consultation

Dr. Allyson Tang, our optometrist, will test your vision and eye health. After the eye examination, we will discuss treatment and lens options with you. We will then refer you to an ophthalmologist for a surgical consultation.

  • During Surgery

A nurse will use some eye drops to dilate the pupils and numb the eye so that there will be no discomfort. The ophthalmologist or eye surgeon will perform the surgery in about 15 to 30 minutes.

You will rest for about 45 minutes; then, the eye doctor will come and evaluate your eyes again before discharging you.

It will take nearly a week before you resume your normal activities. The final results of the refractive lens exchange in Vaughan, ON, can take several weeks. It is normal to experience vision disturbances such as halos, blurry vision, or a scratchy sensation as your eyes continue to heal.

You will not feel the IOL in your eye, so do not be worried that you might feel something moving in your eye. Also, the lens is not on the surface as contact lenses, so they are not visible to other people.

The procedure is permanent, and so you can expect the artificial intraocular lens to be a part of you for the rest of your life.

If you are considering clear lens exchange, contact us at Dr. Allyson Tang Optometrist. We would love to help correct your eyesight.

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