Refractive Lens Exchange (Clear Lens Exchange)
Unfortunately, age lessens the flexibility of our eye’s natural lens to focus between near and far, making it especially difficult to focus on objects up close. By age 40 this difference can be significant. Glasses or bifocals are necessary. It’s not long before many people want a more convenient option. But what if you’re told you can’t have LASIK? There is hope! Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), sometimes called Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) is an alternative solution, and is probably the most stable procedure out there. It’s essentially cataract surgery, the most common surgery performed in the U.S., which also has the highest success rate. Plus, because the natural lens is removed, you have no possibility of developing a cataract in the future.
RLE works by replacing your natural lens with a silicone or plastic intraocular lens (IOL) that is of a power to correct most, if not all your vision problems, with the exception of astigmatism. Be aware that for patients with astigmatism, you may need LASIK or PRK in addition, to “fine tune” the RLE treatment.
You may wish to select an IOL of a fixed focal length. In this case, you may prefer the length to provide sharp distant focus for activities such as golf or driving. You will still need reading glasses if you choose this option. If you prefer IOLs to improve your near vision for reading or computer work, keep in mind that your distance vision will remain slightly weaker.
Monovision resolves this dilemma. This means that one IOL lens (in the dominant eye) is used for distance and the other for near vision. Most patients easily adjust between the two lenses and forget that they have different corrections.
A third option is a special type of multifocal IOL that allows you to focus on objects both near and far. One of the advantages of RLE is that if you do not achieve the exact desired refractive change, you can exchange the IOL for one of a different power, or you may still be able to “fine tune” the IOL with LASIK or PRK surgery.
It’s good to have choices. You can take our IOL Questionnaire <> to help you decide which lens is best for your needs.
If you’re considering RLE, you’ll need to make an appointment to carefully measure your eye’s vision in order to calculate the exact corrective power of your new IOL. After RLE, most patients can resume normal activities the next day.
Sharper vision can be yours again at Jenkins Eye Care. Just call (855) 522-2020 to set up your appointment today.
