Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

Using the latest technology it is now possible to throw away your spectacles or contact lenses for good and avoid the complications of laser surgery. This is a wonderful option for people who wish for a spectacle independent lifestyle i.e. golf, skiing, computer work. The procedure can correct near and farsightedness, as well as age-related spectacle dependency.

Video on Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

Spectacles

There are three reasons why patients wear spectacles or contact lenses:

• Ametropia: Both nearsightedness (Myopia) and farsightedness (Hyperopia) are caused by the eye being slightly too large or small. This affects roughly 30% of the population.1
• Presbyopia: The eye loses the ability to see close objects in middle age, hence the need for reading glasses. This affects about 10% of people.
• Astigmatism: An abnormal curve of the front of the eye (cornea) causes horizontal and vertical light rays to be focused differently.

How Reflective Lens Exchange works

Ametropia and Presbyopia are cured by replacing the defective natural lens with a multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens implant. Astigmatism is corrected at the same time by either using tiny Limbal Relaxing Incisions to adjust the shape of the cornea, or a toric intraocular lens implant.

The entire procedure is performed through a very small incision in the edge of the cornea under a local anaesthetic. No stitches are required.

The whole procedure usually takes 20 minutes, and visions is improved immediately in most cases. Vision usually continues to improve in the weeks following the procedure as your eyes adjust.

The majority of patients (92.8%) are totally free from spectacles with only a few (7.2%) occasionally wearing glasses for intermediate tasks.2

References

1.Optom. Vis. Sci. 82. 2007. pg 261-266.

2.Ref: J Refract Surg. 2008 Mar; 24(3):243.