This week, we discuss another alternative to LASIK for those who are not candidates: Custom Lens Replacement.
What is Custom Lens Replacement?
For patients with focusing dysfunction (difficulty changing focus from far to near), custom lens replacement with multifocal lenses or the light-adjustable lens (LAL) can be a great option. This is essentially “early” cataract surgery, and it is usually not necessary in individuals under the age of 45. Custom Lens Replacement, also referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), is a surgical procedure gaining traction in Oregon. This procedure offers a solution for those seeking vision correction beyond LASIK’s scope. This procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), correcting refractive errors like presbyopia, myopia, and hyperopia.
The LAL allows in-office UV light-guided modifications of intraocular lenses after surgery, and can be very helpful for patients with corneal scarring, prior radial keratotomy, and/or those who are used to monovision (one eye distance, one eye near), and allows customized refinement of the LAL based on the patient’s desires. Astigmatism correction, multifocal lenses, and LALs are also options for patients with cataracts (which typically occur between age 55 to 80).
CLR can be particularly beneficial due to the state’s outdoor lifestyle. Individuals experiencing age-related vision changes, such as cataracts or significant refractive errors, may find CLR a suitable option. Oregon’s aging population and active residents are driving increased interest in this procedure. Consulting with an experienced surgeon at PCVI is crucial to determine candidacy and understand the benefits and risks associated with CLR, and our doctors are well-versed with this alternative and can help determine if this is the correct option for you. This is often an option for patients between the ages of 55 and 80.
Call or click to make an appointment and find out if this alternative to LASIK is right for you.
