Refractive Lens Exchange AKA Custom Lens Replacement
Custom Lens Replacement, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an elective surgical procedure that involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors and improve vision. This procedure is often considered for individuals over the age of 40 who are experiencing presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, or for those with high degrees of myopia or hyperopia who may not be suitable candidates for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. While RLE shares similarities with cataract surgery, the primary goal is vision correction rather than the removal of a cloudy lens.
At Pacific ClearVision Institute in Eugene, Oregon, our experienced ophthalmologists offer custom lens replacement as a solution for patients seeking greater visual independence from glasses or contact lenses.
The process begins with a comprehensive eye examination to determine candidacy and discuss the patient’s visual goals and lifestyle. Various types of IOLs are available, including monofocal, multifocal, toric (for astigmatism), and additional specific lens types for particular circumstances and conditions. The choice of lens is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences, aiming to optimize vision for distance, near, or both.
The RLE procedure itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye. The surgeon uses numbing eye drops to ensure patient comfort. A small incision is made in the cornea, through which the natural lens is gently broken up and removed. The selected IOL is then inserted through the same incision and positioned within the lens capsule. The small incision is self-sealing and generally does not require stitches. Typically, the surgeries for each eye are scheduled a week or two apart to allow for initial healing.
Post-operative care involves the use of prescribed eye drops to aid healing and prevent infection. Patients can usually return to most normal activities within a week, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities are typically restricted for a few weeks. Vision improvement is often noticeable within a few days, but it can take several weeks to a few months for vision to fully stabilize.
RLE offers several potential benefits, including the correction of a wide range of refractive errors, a reduced or eliminated need for glasses or contact lenses, and the prevention of future cataracts since the natural lens has been replaced. However, like any surgical procedure, RLE carries potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, and glare or halos, particularly with multifocal IOLs.
For our neighbors, friends, and family, we encourage you to contact us to book a consultation so we may help determine if this procedure is the best option for you.
