Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
- Also known as “clear lens exchange” or simply “lens implants”, a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic is recommended to our patients with dry eyes or thin corneas. Some patients may not be ideal candidates for LasikHD surgery and therefore we would recommend we use our advanced RLE techniques.
- The RLE procedure at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic uses laser technology that ensures accurate results, quick recovery and minimal risk or complications.
- During the RLE procedure, your ophthalmologist removes the fatigued natural lens and replaces it with a new, synthetic one. The implants are made from a soft, flexible material and are custom-made to correct your unique vision challenges.
- What eye problems does RLE surgery address?
- The Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic RLE surgery procedure will address nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.
- Also known as “clear lens exchange” or simply “lens implants”, a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic is recommended to our patients with dry eyes or thin corneas. Some patients may not be ideal candidates for LasikHD surgery and therefore we would recommend we use our advanced RLE techniques.
- The RLE procedure at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic uses laser technology that ensures accurate results, quick recovery and minimal risk or complications.
- During the RLE procedure, your ophthalmologist removes the fatigued natural lens and replaces it with a new, synthetic one. The implants are made from a soft, flexible material and are custom-made to correct your unique vision challenges.
- What eye problems does RLE surgery address?
- The Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic RLE surgery procedure will address nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism
Who are ideal RLE surgery candidates?
- Over age 40.
- No prior ophthalmic procedures.
- No history of eye disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.
Benefits of RLE surgery at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic
- Lens exchange is a simple, day clinic procedure that takes just a few minutes.
- The procedure provides immediate improved vision.
- The lenses and technology used at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic usually allow you to return to your daily routine almost immediately.
What is the difference between RLE surgery and LasikHD surgery?
LasikHD surgery reshapes the cornea on the surface of the eye, while the Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) replaces the lens on the inside of the eye. Both procedures are minimally invasive and take approximately 35-minutes to complete. LasikHD surgery is typically done on both eyes at once while RLE procedure is performed on one eye at a time at 2-4 week interval. Recovery is extremely fast and typically delivers nearly immediate results.
The benefits of RLE surgery at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic
- No Reading Glasses. RLE addresses multiple complications in one simple procedure. The lens implant your Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic ophthalmologist recommends for you can typically address your distance, intermediate and near vision at the same time. RLE is often the only option for patients wishing to get rid of their bifocals, trifocals or the hassle of carrying multiple pairs of glasses.
- No risk of cataracts. RLE is the only effective method of preventing cataracts from ever developing. Cataracts occur when your lens becomes cloudy due to the aging process. At Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic your ophthalmologist will replace your lens with a synthetic one. You therefore do not have to worry about the cost and inconvenience of cataract surgery in the future.
The RLE procedure comprises of four steps:
STEP 1 - Initial Eye Exam at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic.
- Test your visual acuity and visual field (peripheral vision)
- Measure your corneal thickness and topography (shape of the eye)
- Read your previous eye prescription using your glasses lenses.
- Exam your pupils for reactivity.
- Evaluate the muscle function and dominance of your eyes.
- Assess the health of eye using a pupil dilatation and slit-lamp test.
- Check for Glaucoma assessing your eyes’ pressure.
- Inspect the health of your peripheral retina.
- Assess your overall medical health.
- Discuss your hobbies and occupation.
Once completed, this assessment will determine your unique treatment at Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic.
STEP 2 - Determining Whether You Are an RLE Candidate.
In conventional surgery an incision into the cornea is made with a scalpel or a diamond blade to create a straight opening to gain access to the lens.
The laser creates a predictable, precise, pre-determined sized circular opening into the lens capsule to gain access to the cataract.
In conventional surgery a circular tear is made into the capsular bag by using a metal hook or forceps held by the surgeon. The precise outcome and size of the capsular bag cannot always be guaranteed. In the normal mono-focal IOL’s it’s not really a problem, but when it comes to Premium lenses where size, placement and fit is essential, it is advisable to remove the cataract with AI Femto Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery.
The femtosecond laser fragments the clouded lens into precise wedge shaped sections within seconds. In conventional surgery the clouded lens is broken up with ultrasound which is achieved by inserting an ultrasound wand into the lens capsule.
The femtosecond laser gently removes the fragmented lens with gentle suction in minimum and less invasive moves. In conventional surgery the fragmented lens is removed by aspiration and irrigation by the doctor’s hands and instrument.
The femtosecond laser places precisely shaped and positioned tubes in the eye to insert the new lens, whereas with conventional surgery the artificial lens is inserted with an injector.
STEP 3 - Post-Operative Care
At Visiomed Eye and Laser Clinic, your post-op care is very important to us. We therefore schedule visits with your ophthalmologists periodically after your treatment.
STEP 4 - The First 24 Hours After the RLE Procedure.
The ophthalmologist will perform a post-op check-up and you will be given a pair of protective glasses which you will need to wear for several hours after the surgery.
Ensure you organise a driver home.
The artificial tears provided by your doctor will help ease any irritation you may experience after the ICL surgery.
If you experience any irritation it is important not to rub, poke or touch your eyes.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on using your steroid and antibiotic eye drops.
Use this time to rest and relax.
Do not strain your eyes through reading, computer work or watching TV.
Your vision will stabilize in 2-4 weeks after the RLE procedure as your eye heals and adjusts to the new lens.
Multi-focal lenses allow for near vision and diminishes the need for “readers”.
One Week After the RLE Procedure:
Your one-week follow-up appointment at your surgeon will mark significant improvement to your overall vision.
Continue following your doctor’s recommendations regarding eye drops and be sure to keep water, soap and shampoo out of your eyes when showering.
You may read, use the computer and watch TV, but keep your eyes well lubricated and rest them if they feel strained. Be sure to keep sweat out of your eyes and avoid all lotions, creams and eye makeup for seven days.
One Month After the RLE Procedure:
At this point, your eye(s) will be close to fully healed and there will be a noticeable improvement to your eyesight.
Three Months After the RLE Procedure:
You will now have complete vision stability.
Typically, your ophthalmologist will request that you attend a post-op appointment within one and three months.
In some cases, after three months, your doctor may request an additional 90-day post-op check.
Vision stability will be realised in most patients at approximately three months.
