How Long Can Refractive Lens Exchange Results Last?
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When it comes to visual clarity and freedom from the constraints of glasses or contact lenses, refractive lens exchange (RLE) is one of the most exciting and effective solutions available today. Whether you’re not a candidate for laser eye surgery, have severe myopia or hyperopia, or are simply tired of wearing prescription eyewear and want to avoid cataracts in the future, RLE may be a life-changing procedure for you. At The Eye Center of Southern Indiana, ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Grossman, an acclaimed regional leader in eye surgery and cataract repair, performs advanced RLE eye surgery in Bloomington, IN to help patients regain the clearer eyesight, confidence, and freedom they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of RLE surgery, including how long RLE results may last.
What is RLE?
Refractive lens exchange, also known as clear lens extraction or lens replacement surgery, is a cutting-edge procedure designed to correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. RLE involves the removal of the eye's natural lens, which may have become dysfunctional due to age-related changes, and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The implanted IOL is carefully selected to match your vision needs, reducing or eliminating your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
What are the benefits of RLE?
RLE eye surgery offers a number of exciting benefits, including:
- Restoring clearer eyesight
- Obviating the need for glasses and contacts
- Correcting severe hyperopia or myopia
- Providing an alternative for patients deemed ineligible for LASIK or laser eye surgery
- Long-lasting results
- Eliminates the risk of cataracts
- Does not require general anesthesia
- Fast recovery
- Virtually painless
What to expect during RLE
RLE surgery is typically completed on an outpatient basis and is known for its quick and virtually painless nature. Before the procedure begins, numbing/relaxing eye drops are applied to ensure your comfort. Once you're relaxed and ready, Dr. Grossman will make a tiny incision to precisely fragment and remove the natural lens. The artificial IOL will then be inserted in its place. The entire procedure can typically be completed in about 15 minutes, and the eye should heal (without sutures) in just a few days. Some mild soreness is normal and expected, but this typically subsides within about 48 hours.
How soon will my vision improve after RLE?
It is important for patients considering RLE to understand that some haziness may linger for several weeks before clear vision is realized, though it should improve greatly within about 1 – 2 weeks. After this time, most patients report a dramatic improvement in their vision, with many patients able to stop wearing glasses and contacts altogether.
How long does RLE last?
The longevity of RLE results is a significant factor in its popularity. Unlike some other vision correction procedures, the benefits of RLE can be permanent and last a lifetime. The artificial IOLs used in RLE are durable and resistant to age-related changes, including cataracts. Once the IOL is in place, it doesn't degrade over time, providing stable and reliable vision correction. Still, patients should keep in mind that RLE surgery cannot prevent new eye conditions from developing.
Give yourself the gift of lifelong clearer vision with RLE surgery in Bloomington, IN
There’s no question that vision is one of the most treasured possessions a person can have. Whether you are looking to correct severe myopia or hyperopia, hoping to prevent future cataracts, or otherwise improve or protect your vision over time, refractive lens exchange may be a beneficial step for you. Learn more about long-term vision protection with RLE by calling The Eye Center of Southern Indiana to schedule your Bloomington, IN RLE consultation with esteemed ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Grossman today.