Refractive Lens Exchange

Who’s right for refractive lens exchange?

I feel that the area of refractive lens exchange will be huge in the future. A lot of older people, those who have never had to wear glasses and then suddenly, when they hit their late 40′s, find they need them to read small print or in low light, think there’s nothing that can be done.

What is a refractive lens exchange?

A refractive lens exchange is literally exchanging the crystalline lens of the eye for an artificial lens – called an intraocular lens. It’s the same procedure as during cataract surgery, except the intent is to change the eye’s optical power.

Today, an intraocular lens is flexible, and can be rolled into the eye through a very small incision, thus avoiding any needs for sutures. The whole process takes about 30 minutes an eye, and the patient can go home within an hour or so.

Recovery period is about 2-3 weeks, during which I ask patients to avoid any strenuous exercise. They may experience seeing halos at night time, but most patients adjust, reducing their dependence on glasses. Some patients will lose the need for correct glasses altogether.

More information

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