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Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE, is an advanced vision correction procedure performed by the expert surgeons at Houston LASIK & Eye. This innovative procedure corrects various refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape the cornea, RLE involves removing your eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Various premium IOL options are available, each offering different visual benefits tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.
This procedure is nearly identical to modern cataract surgery but is performed before cataracts develop or in patients with early cataracts. This proactive approach not only corrects existing vision problems but also prevents cataracts from forming in the future, as cataracts cannot develop on an intraocular lens.
Once your natural lens is replaced with an IOL, the lens does not change with age. This means the vision correction achieved through RLE remains stable over time, unlike the natural aging process of the eye that leads to presbyopia and cataracts.
Is Refractive Lens Exchange the vision correction solution you've been waiting for?
Houston LASIK & Eye conducts thorough evaluations to determine if RLE is right for you. Ideal candidates for this advanced procedure typically include:
During your consultation at Houston LASIK & Eye, our specialists will conduct a comprehensive eye examination that includes corneal measurements, refraction testing, assessing your eye health, and discussing your visual goals. This detailed evaluation ensures that RLE is the most appropriate procedure for you.
A safe, efficient, minimally invasive surgery to give you crystal-clear vision.
Refractive Lens Exchange at Houston LASIK & Eye takes about 15 minutes per eye. Your eye surgeon will begin by administering numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
They will then create a tiny, self-sealing incision to access the lens capsule. Your natural lens is gently fragmented using ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification) and removed through the micro-incision.
Your RLE surgeon then carefully inserts and positions your pre-selected intraocular lens, which unfolds and settles into the natural lens capsule.
Most patients at Houston LASIK & Eye experience improved vision within one to two days after the procedure. Both eyes are typically treated at the same time which allows you to adapt to your new vision more comfortably.
Houston LASIK & Eye offers several premium IOL options:
Your Houston LASIK & Eye specialist will help determine which IOL best suits your visual needs and lifestyle.
Following your procedure, you'll receive detailed instructions for recovery, including using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, refraining from strenuous physical activity and driving, avoiding rubbing or getting water in your eye, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses while outside. Your surgeon will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and vision improvement.
At these appointments, they will assess how you are healing to let you know when it's safe to return to normal activities. Most patients can resume working and driving within one to three days after surgery, with a return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
Most patients at Houston LASIK & Eye notice improved vision within 1-2 days after surgery, with vision continuing to stabilize over the following weeks. Final results are typically achieved after several weeks as your eyes adapt to the IOLs.
The results of Refractive Lens Exchange are permanent, as the artificial intraocular lens does not deteriorate or change over time. Once in place, your IOL should last a lifetime, providing consistent vision correction without developing cataracts.
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks with Refractive Lens Exchange, though complications are rare when performed by the experienced surgeons at Houston LASIK & Eye. Potential risks include infection, retinal detachment, posterior capsular rupture, posterior capsular opacification, and visual disturbances.
During your consultation, your RLE surgeon will discuss all potential risks and how they can be minimized through proper screening, advanced surgical techniques, and careful post-operative care.
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By setting a new standard of care, we provide the best opportunity to achieve this standard for each and every patient. These genuine testimonials from our patients can be read in their entirety by visiting us for a complimentary consultation.
