How Effective is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Blurry vision is not only frustrating, but it is also cumbersome. It affects your ability to read your favorite book or to watch movies with friends and family. Moreover, it can reduce your productivity at work or in school. Worse, driving can be dangerous for you and other people. 

Thanks to modern surgical advances in eye care, you don't have to suffer the limitations of impaired vision. New procedures have surfaced that can help you live a better lifestyle. One such example is refractive lens exchange or RLE. 

Refractive lens exchange is a modern laser eye surgery that helps improve vision clarity. This blog will explore the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. Discover interesting facts about refractive lens exchange by reading this blog post.

What is RLE Eye Surgery?

RLE eye surgery is an advanced medical procedure that involves replacing your eye's natural lenses with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure aims to correct your refractive error for better focus and overall vision. It may eliminate your need for reading glasses and contact lenses.

How does RLE Eye Surgery Work?

Replacing your eyes' natural lenses may sound too complicated at first. However, you will be surprised that the procedure takes approximately 15 minutes to one hour per eye. Moreover, the process is performed in an outpatient setup. 

Below is an explanation of what's involved in the procedure.

Monofocal Intraocular Lens or Monofocal IOL

The monofocal intraocular lens is the most common option. This type has one focusing distance for close, mid, or far-distance vision. 

Multifocal Intraocular Lens or Multifocal IOL

The multifocal intraocular lens is a premium lens that offers vision correction across different distances at fixed points. 

Accommodating Intraocular Lens or Accommodating IOL

The accommodating intraocular lens is the most advanced type. It provides clear vision across all distances, including close, intermediate, far, and everything between. 

Your eye surgeon will recommend the appropriate option that suits your needs based on your consultation and diagnosis.

How Effective is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Studies say that RLE has a high success rate in treating several eye conditions, such as hyperopia, astigmatism, myopia, and presbyopia. Moreover, eye surgeons often recommend the procedure due to its high success rates and low risks of complications. 

The procedure is safe and highly effective. 

What to Expect During the RLE Procedure

Based on the description of how RLE works, it may look like a painful experience. However, you'll be pleased to know that it is not. There's no need to put you to sleep like other surgeries. You will be awake the entire time. Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will give you anesthetic eye drops to numb the affected eye or eyes. If you are nervous, your doctor may administer medication to help you relax. 

The entire procedure typically lasts for 15 minutes to one hour. However, it depends on the severity of the case. If both your eyes need RLE, your doctor may advise two sessions. 

Understanding the Recovery Phase from RLE

The procedure is set up as an outpatient. This means that you can go home after the surgery. However, you will not be able to drive. You have to arrange a ride home for safety purposes. Moreover, you can resume your normal activities (including driving) approximately one week following the procedure. 

You may achieve full recovery from RLE after several weeks. During recovery, it is also normal to experience mild vision issues such as glare, blurry vision, halos, and eye discomfort.

Post-Surgery Aftercare Tips

Like all surgeries, the procedure's efficacy does not end inside the operating room. You must continue taking precautionary steps to achieve your target results and speed up recovery. 

Here are some aftercare tips that can help you.

1. Take eye drops as instructed to avoid possible infections.
2. Follow your eye doctor's tips about when you can safely exercise.
3. Wear a protective shield or an eye patch.
4. Don't allow soap or water to get into your eyes.

Benefits of RLE Surgery 

Eye lens replacement yields many benefits to your overall health. Many patients who had RLE vision correction say that the experience is life-changing in many ways. 

1. Risk-free of losing the corrective effect (unlike laser vision correction)
2. Doesn't change the thickness of your cornea (unlike laser vision correction)
3. Quick recovery with fewer side effects
4. Corrects presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
5. No need for cataract surgery 
6. Long-term solution

Additional note: One of the most valuable benefits of getting an RLE is the long-term effects. The natural lens replacement is permanent. It means you don't need to replace them after a given period. Moreover, it eliminates the need for future removal of cataracts. Your eye surgeon may perform a simple laser treatment to restore the quality of the artificial replacement lens only if you experience blurry vision after the surgery. 

Who's the Ideal Candidate for RLE?

The typical candidate for RLE are individuals above 40, and if you experience the following:

1. Having trouble reading nearby texts
2. Eyeglasses or contact lenses are ineffective
3. If you are experiencing constant headaches and eyestrain while reading off a book or screen.

Note: Another possible reason you may need RLE is to hold reading materials to improve focus and clarity.

The Road Towards A Better Vision and Quality of Life Begins Here

Refractive lens exchange provides lasting effects for many eye disorders. It also eliminates the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Moreover, the procedure requires little to no maintenance. 

We are the right eye doctor for you if you're looking for "eye doctors near me" in Waxahachie, Texas! Texas Eye and Cataract offers the best eye services to help correct your vision in Texas. 

Our team of eye care professionals at Texas Eye and Cataract provides many eye care services with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best treatment you deserve for your eye problems. At Texas Eye and Cataract, you are in good hands.

Click here to request an appointment. Our Eye specialists are always ready to provide the top-notch treatment you deserve. Your journey towards a better vision and a healthier lifestyle begins with us. We are with you every step of the way.