A Clearer Future: Understanding Refractive Lens Exchange
Thankfully, there’s an advanced solution you should know about: Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE.
What Exactly is RLE?
RLE is also known as lens exchange surgery or custom lens replacement (CLR) and it’s a relatively cost-effective solution to a myriad of vision problems.
Think of RLE as a way to upgrade your eye’s natural lens, not unlike how a photographer might buy a new camera lens when their old one is damaged. The procedure replaces your eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial one which corrects several common vision challenges, such as:
Nearsightedness
When distant objects look blurry
Farsightedness
When close-up items are hard to focus on
Astigmatism
When your vision is blurry at all distances
Presbyopia
When you need reading glasses as you age
How Does it Work?
During RLE, your eye surgeon gently removes your natural lens and replaces it with a custom-selected artificial lens. It’s like cataract surgery, but you don’t have to wait until you develop cataracts to benefit from it. You can choose from several types of replacement lenses, each designed for different needs.
- Monofocal lenses work like a fixed camera lens. They’re great for one distance, usually far away.
- Multifocal lenses are like having multiple pairs of glasses in one. They help you see clearly at various distances.
- Tori lenses can help straighten out those blurry lines for those with astigmatism.
Could RLE Be Right for You?
RLE might be the perfect fit if:
You’re over 45 and finding that glasses or contacts aren’t giving you the clarity you want.
You’d love to reduce your dependence on reading glasses or bifocals.
LASIK isn’t a viable option for you.
You’d like to prevent cataracts from developing in the future.
What to Expect: The Procedure and Recovery
The procedure is swift and safe, taking about 15-30 minutes for each eye. Your surgeon will use numbing drops to keep you comfortable, and most patients can return home the very same day. While you might initially experience mild discomfort, most people are pleasantly surprised by the relative ease of recovery.
Although you’ll use special eye drops for about a month, many people notice clearer vision within just a few days. Complete healing takes about eight weeks, and during this time, you’ll want to take it easy and avoid any activities that might strain your vision.
The Long-Term Picture
Choosing RLE can bring lasting benefits to your life:
- Freedom to read menus, use your phone, and drive without constantly reaching for glasses.
- No need to worry about developing cataracts in the future.
- Potential savings on glasses, contact lenses, and future eye surgeries.
- Stable, reliable vision for years to come .
If RLE sound like it could be for you, reach out to the Brooks Eye Team to learn more.
