Second Chances: The Role Of Optometrists In Eye Care

LASIK, commonly referred to as laser eye surgery, has, for the longest time, been the go-to for surgical vision correction. In recent years, refractive lens exchange (RLE) has joined the ranks of leading surgical treatments, and eye surgeons may recommend this procedure if you have extreme farsightedness or presbyopia and LASIK is not suitable for you.

If, after a comprehensive assessment, eye surgeons give you the ok, as a suitable candidate for RLE, here is what you should know about the procedure and the associated timelines.

The Procedure

RLE, also known as refractive lens replacement, is a procedure where eye surgeons will replace your natural lens with artificial ones specifically designed for the correction of your particular refractive error.

Based on your eye health and vision needs, your artificial intraocular lens (IOLs) may be monofocal (either fixed-focus or accommodating) or multifocal. Qualified eye surgeons will match you with the best fit for you.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

For seasoned eye surgeons, refractive lens exchange surgery may not take more than 15 to 30 minutes. The procedure is performed for each eye separately, with eye surgeons recommending about a week between the two.

Surgeons perform the procedure on an outpatient basis. You can, therefore, expect to be back home within the hour after the surgery. Ensure you make the necessary transport arrangements since eye surgeons insist that you don't drive right after the procedure.

How Soon Can You Recover and See Improvements?

Eye surgeons will give clear instructions on when you can start driving, go back to work and resume your day-to-day activities. A week is usually the recommended time, but you can always take longer to ensure you are well-adjusted to your new vision.

Eye surgeons will inform you of what you can expect during the healing process, which may include blurry vision, glare and the sensation of wanting to scratch your eyes. Should you notice anything else that you feel is reason to worry, ensure you get in touch with your surgeon's office immediately.

Concerning how long it will take before your vision improves, it varies from one person to the next. For some, the results are apparent shortly after the surgery, while it may take some days and even weeks for others.

How Long Do IOLs Last?

The IOLs serve as a permanent replacement for your natural lens. These replacement lenses are so designed to last a lifetime. There is minimal to no risk of the lenses losing their corrective effect over time.

For more information, contact an eye surgeon in your area.