BENEFITS :
For individuals who wish to be free from glasses or contact lenses.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) becomes the more dominant choice as we passed the age of 40 . This has to do with the onset of Presbyopia , requiring the need for Bifocal glasses to allow vision for both Distance and Reading. In addition, the early onset or inevitable development of cataracts , would be solved by this procedure .
This procedure (RLE) allows maximum freedom from glasses in this age group and beyond and could restore both distance vision and intermediate / near vision.
PROCEDURE :
RLE is performed under local anaesthetic with mild sedation . The procedure involves removal of the natural lens (sits behind the iris (color portion) ) , and replacement with an artificial lens implant . This is basically the procedure used to remove Cataracts , often seen in the older population .
The procedure only takes several minutes to complete, thereafter you will walk out of the operating theatre with an eye shield in place .
RECOVERY :
Patients are to refrain from heavy strenuous activity for a week . Medicated eyedrops will be required for use for 4 weeks. Vision can be expected to improve over the first 1-2 weeks, but many see well enough to drive the very next day. Full recovery will take 6-8 weeks . There is typically very little discomfort , but a slight sensation grittiness can be felt for a few weeks, and sometimes a few months .
Most will require laser touch up or polish 2-3 months after the surgery .