LENS REPLACEMENT
DISCOVER LENS REPLACEMENT
What is Lens Replacement Surgery?
Lens replacement surgery, medically referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), involves replacing the eye’s natural crystalline lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The primary goal is to correct refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia (far-sightedness), or high myopia (severe short-sightedness). It is suitable for individuals who are not candidates for laser-based surgeries like SmartSight, LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas, severe prescriptions, or age-related considerations.
What you need to know about Lens replacement
Preoperative Preparation
The eye is numbed with topical anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.
The team evaluates the eye’s dimensions and refractive needs to select the ideal Lens replacement type, commonly referred to as an IOL (Intra-Ocular Lens).
Surgical Steps
Small incisions are made in the cornea.
The natural lens is emulsified and removed through a process called phacoemulsification.
An artificial IOL is inserted into the eye, positioned to replace the removed lens. Modern IOLs can be monofocal, multifocal, toric (for astigmatism correction), or extended depth of focus (EDOF), depending on the patient’s vision goals.
Postoperative Care
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to prevent infection and ensure healing.
Most patients resume daily activities within a few days, with vision stabilizing over a few weeks.
Benefits of Lens Replacement
- Permanent Solution: By replacing the natural lens, this procedure offers lifelong correction, eliminating the need for future laser surgeries.
- Presbyopia Treatment: Multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses can address age-related presbyopia, allowing clearer near, intermediate, and distance vision.
- No Risk of Cataracts: Since the natural lens is replaced, the risk of developing cataracts is eliminated.
- High Prescription Correction: Effective for severe refractive errors, including extreme hyperopia or myopia.
Risks and considerations
Although lens replacement surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Post-surgery complications like infection or inflammation.
- Risk of retinal detachment, particularly in very myopic eyes.
- Glare or halos, especially with certain types of multifocal IOLs.
