 |
What
Is Refractive Lens Exchange? |
| |
Refractive Lens Exchange is a
non-laser corrective procedure where the natural lens of the
eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, similar
to cataract surgery. Currently this procedure is for people
with moderate to high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness.
|
| What
are the advantages of Refractive Lens Exchange? |
| |
 |
Permanent and maintenance-free vision
correction without using a laser |
| |
|
Rapid visual recovery |
| |
|
Eliminates the need in future for cataract
surgery |
| |
|
Preserves central cornea |
| |
|
Predictable outcome
|
|
| What
are the disadvantages of Refractive Lens Exchange? |
| The loss of the ability to read up close.
The implant corrects distance vision. This loss is a normal
age change that happens when a person reaches 40 or 50 years
of age. There is now the possibility of a multifocal implant
being inserted to correct both distance and near. Dr Fitterman
will decide if you are a candidate for this.
|
| The
Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure |
|
Dr. Fitterman performs this procedure in a
private clinic with trained staff. Qualified candidates are
given topical anaesthesia (eye drops). A small incision is
made at the edge of the cornea then a special ultrasonic suction
probe is used to gently break up and suction out the gel from
the lens capsule. The implant of predetermined power is then
inserted into the natural lens capsule. Dr. Fitterman usually
uses a foldable lens implant. The whole procedure takes about
15-20 mins. Drops are used 1 week pre-op and continued after
surgery for 3 weeks.
Visual recovery after a Refractive Lens Exchange
is usually fast. A few minutes after surgery patients usually
can see quite well and not long after return to regular activities.
|
| Possible
Complications: |
As with any surgery, there are some possible
complications to Refractive Lens Exchange. However, the risks
are minimal.
- Increased possibility of Retinal
Detachment
- Farsighted people have a very low risk of detachment,
however, because nearsighted people have longer than normal
eyes, the retina is vulnerable to detachments. The risk
of retinal detachment is extremely small. A retinal exam
pre-op is always done to determine the risk of each patient.
- Other Eye Complications:
- Hemorrhage, infection, reflections or distortion from
the implant, increased floaters, loss of clarity, dislocation
of implant, wound leak, glaucoma and uveitis. These are
all uncommon and most can be effectively treated if they
occur.
- Corneal Complications:
- Dryness of the cornea and induced astigmatism are not
serious and can be treated.
|
