Thankfully, there’s an advanced solution you should know about: Refractive Lens Exchange, or 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:
When distant objects look blurry
When close-up items are hard to focus on
When your vision is blurry at all distances
When you need reading glasses as you age
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.
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.
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.
Choosing RLE can bring lasting benefits to your life:
If RLE sound like it could be for you, reach out to the Brooks Eye Team to learn more.
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