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Johnson Laser eye
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) In Wilmington
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an advanced vision correction procedure that can help patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses and contacts. It works similarly to cataract surgery by removing your natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens, or IOL.
It has several unique benefits, including the fact that it can prevent cataract development as you age. It also provides an alternative vision correction option for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK due to severe nearsightedness or thin corneas.
RLE is especially beneficial if you have presbyopia or age-related farsightedness, a condition that occurs when the natural lens of your eye starts to lose its flexibility over time. Many people develop this condition after age 40 and have to rely on reading glasses to see things up close.
If you want to experience freedom from visual aids and safeguard your sight from cataracts, RLE may be the vision correction procedure for you!
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE RLE CONSULTATION
Am I a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
To determine your candidacy for refractive lens exchange, you will need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson at Johnson Laser Eye in Wilmington. He will conduct a thorough consultation to examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss your vision goals to see if RLE could be right for you.
You may be a good candidate for refractive lens exchange if you:
- Are over 40 years old
- Have presbyopia
- Have severe farsightedness or nearsightedness that other procedures can’t fully correct
- Have early cataracts and want to prevent vision problems in the future
- Have thin corneas and may not be suited for other vision correction procedures like LASIK
- Are not diagnosed with eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, or a corneal condition
- Are not at risk for retinal detachment
- Have realistic expectations about what RLE can do for your vision
- Are excited to experience clearer eyesight and reduce your reliance on visual aids
Refractive lens exchange is especially great for active lifestyles, as clear vision without glasses and contacts can come in handy when playing sports, traveling, or transitioning between tasks.
Choosing Your IOL for Refractive Lens Exchange
An important part of your journey to clearer vision is choosing the IOL that will replace the natural lens of your eye during refractive lens exchange. Johnson Laser Eye offers a wide array of lenses to suit your preferences, lifestyle, and vision needs, including:
Basic IOL
Basic or monofocal IOLs are standard lenses that can correct vision at one distance. Most patients choose to have their vision set for distance, meaning you will likely still need visual aids for close-up and intermediate tasks.
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs are premium IOLs that can provide clearer vision across multiple distances, significantly reducing your need for glasses and contacts. Whether you’re meticulously tying up the ends of your latest knitting project or admiring the sunset from afar on a cruise deck, you can enjoy crisp, vivid vision without needing visual aids.
Extended Depth of Focus IOL
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs are premium lenses that offer a wide range of clear vision with smoother transitions between focusing powers. Most patients experience clearest vision at far away and intermediate distances, with functional vision close-up that may still require reading glasses in some instances.
This IOL is ideal if you lead an active lifestyle, and can help you up your game without the need for visual aids. You can expect higher-definition morning walks, clearer views at the end of a long hike, and improved clarity when playing golf or pickleball.
Astigmatism-Correcting IOL
Astigmatism-correcting or toric IOLs are premium IOLs specifically made for patients with astigmatism. Johnson Laser Eye also offers toric versions of our multifocal and EDOF lenses.
What Happens During Refractive Lens Exchange?
Dr. Johnson will prepare you for refractive lens exchange by administering numbing drops to your eye. He may also offer you a mild sedative to relax.
Once your eyes are numbed, he will make a small incision between the sclera and the cornea of your eye. Then, he will break up the natural lens and remove it through the incision.
Dr. Johnson will place your new IOL where the natural lens used to be and ensure it is positioned correctly before completing the procedure. The entire procedure will likely take around 15 minutes, and then you can head home to begin the recovery process.
What is Recovery Like After Refractive Lens Exchange?
After refractive lens exchange, you will need to arrange a ride with a friend or loved one. Dr. Johnson will let you know when it is safe to return to activities like driving and working at your follow-up appointment the next day.
Most patients experience visual improvements just 1-2 days after the procedure, meaning you likely won’t have to wait long to resume normal activities and enjoy your new, clearer vision. Dr. Johnson will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including applying prescription eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Your vision will likely continue to improve until you reach peak vision at around two to four weeks. Then, you can experience all of life’s best moments in vibrant clarity.
Imagine how great it will be to watch your old glasses start to gather dust while you’re making memories in stunning high-definition. With RLE, the freedom of crystal-clear vision could be your reality.
Schedule a Consultation for RLE
Do you want to learn more and discover whether RLE could be your key to clearer vision? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson at Johnson Laser Eye in Wilmington, NC, today!
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