Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange procedures are performed by Larry Patterson, M.D. in our Cataract and Laser Center, the area's only surgical facility dedicated to treatment of the eye.

Are you ready to get rid of your glasses and contacts?  Call our expert staff at 931-456-2728 or 800-766-2728 with any questions, or to schedule your free evaulation. You can also send us an email and one of our staff will contact you.

As we age, the lens inside our eye loses its ability to focus both near and far. Most vision correction procedures attempt to change the focusing power of the cornea. Refractive lens exchange, on the other hand, corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness by replacing the eye's natural lens, which has the wrong power, with an artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL) implant that has the correct power for the eye.

 

Refractive lens exchange is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. These surgical techniques have evolved and improved dramatically over the last 20 years. Cataract surgery is now the most common surgical procedure performed in medicine today.  Dr. Larry Patterson has personally performed several thousand cataract surgeries for over 20 years, and is considered a leader in cataract surgery in the country.  Several ophthalmologists and their staff have visited our Cataract and Laser Center to observe Dr. Patterson's surgical techniques. 

The main difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange is that cataract surgery is primarily performed to remove a patient's cataract that is obstructing and clouding their vision, while refractive lens exchange is performed to reduce a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Refractive lens exchange can be combined with other procedures that treat astigmatism such as LRIs and AK.

Refractive Lens Exchange is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• may not be a good candidate for laser vision correction
• are 18+ years of age
• have no health issues affecting their eyes

Cataracts are a part of the normal aging process and if a person lives long enough chances are they will develop cataracts. People who have refractive lens exchange now, will not have to have cataract surgery in the future.  This is because in refractive lens exchange, we are removing the lens of the eye, which is the structure that forms into a cataract as we age. 

 

What to expect on surgery day:

The refractive lens exchange procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by Dr. Larry Patterson. Only one eye will be treated at a time. After the eye is completely numbed with topical or local anesthesia, the eye's natural lens will be gently vacuumed out through a tiny incision, about one eighth of an inch wide.

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Next, the new, intra-ocular lens will be folded and Dr. Patterson will insert it through the same micro-incision. It will then be unfolded within the eye and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens. This incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.

If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, Dr. Larry Patterson may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions.

Your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism.

 

You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have refractive lens exchange is an important one that only you can make. The goal of refractive lens exchange is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

Serious complications with refractive lens exchange are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with refractive lens exchange.

 

After a thorough eye exam, you and Dr. Larry Patterson will determine if refractive lens exchange is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

 

Alternatives to refractive lens exchange

Refractive lens exchange is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. You may also choose to request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans.  It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.