Understanding Refractive Lens Exchange
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
As we mature, the natural lens in our eyes firms and loses it’s flexibility, decreasing it’s ability to keep it’s shape for different ranges of focus. This normal condition is known as prebyopia. Some patients may choose to have a procedure called a Refractive Lensectomy before developing cataracts, in order to correct their presbyopia and reduce or eliminate their need for reading glasses. This procedure is essentially the same as cataract surgery, but may be performed before a patient has been diagnosed with a cataract.
How Does It Work?
During Refractive Lensectomy, the natural clear lens inside your eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Until recently, patients undergoing cataract or lens implant surgery received a monofocal, or single focus, intraocular lens. Monofocal IOLs implanted in both eyes generally provide excellent distance vision; however, patients often need spectacle correction for near and intermediate vision, or to correct astigmatism. At Berkeley Eye Center, we want our patients to have as many options as possible when it comes to their lens implant surgery. With recent FDA approvals, there are now several different intraocular lens (IOL) implants available that can dramatically reduce your dependence on glasses after your lens implant procedure, including:
The surgeons of Berkeley Eye Center are among a select group of surgeons, nationally, who are experienced at implanting all of these high technology lenses. Our doctors and staff will discuss which of these lenses and which surgical techniques may be best suited for your particular vision, lifestyle and activities.
To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 713-526-1600 or schedule online.