InSight LASIK & Refractive Group

Providing Refractive Lens Exchange to the Pittsburgh and Cranberry Township Areas

Refractive Lens Exchange at InSight LASIK near Pittsburgh incorporates the latest in replacement lens technology to deliver superior vision correction.  Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a form of vision correction that can resolve presbyopia and provide individuals who are not ideal LASIK candidates with an alternative to laser eye surgery. 

Refractive Lens Exchange: An Overview

Refractive Lens Exchange is similar to the process employed in cataract surgery.  Although it can be used to treat hyperopia, a refractive lens enchange is most often performed to reduce or eliminate high levels of myopia.  During the procedure, the eye's natural crystalline lens is replaced with a lens implant.  An appropriate intraocular lens is selected to provide the focusing power necessary for the patient's vision needs.  A refractive lens exchange is also ideal for age-related presbyopia and for those who are not considered suitable candidates for LASIK.  A refractive lens exchange at our surgery center near Pittsburgh can provide patients with increased independence from eyeglasses and contact lenses.

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The Process

Prior to surgery, the surgeon takes precise measurements to gauge the degree of the eye's refractive error.  These measurements will help the doctor determine the type of intraocular lens that will best suit the patient's vision needs. There are multifocal IOLs that offer a range of focusing power to closely approximate the eye's natural accommodating ability. 

To perform a refractive lens exchange, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea to facilitate the removal of the patient's natural lens.  After the lens is removed, the implant is inserted in its place.  The incision will heal on its own.  For most patients, the procedure takes less than an hour.

Recovery after Refractive Lens Exchange

Though the recovery period after a refractive lens exchange is relatively short, it may take several weeks to acclimate to the new lens implants and enjoy the full extent of vision correction that they offer. 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia differs from myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in that it is caused by the natural aging process, affecting many individuals as they enter their 40s. It involves the hardening of the eye's crystalline lens, a process that makes the lens less flexible and prevents it from adjusting properly to focus on near objects. 

Presbyopia cannot be treated with LASIK surgery.  Changes in the proteins within the lens cause it to harden, and these changes cannot, at this time, be corrected by altering the shape of the eye as is done in LASIK during the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

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Symptoms of Presbyopia

The most common symptoms of presbyopia include:

Learn More about Refractive Lens Exchange

With a refractive lens exchange that is performed at our surgery center near Pittsburgh, patients experiencing the affects of presbyopia or who are not suitable candidates for LASIK can achieve improved vision safely and effectively.  To learn more about a refractive lens exchange or the other vision correction options available at our practice, contact InSightSM LASIK & Refractive Group today. 

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InSightSM LASIK & Refractive Group

105 Brandt Dr.
Cranberry Township, PA
16066
T: 724-772-9600
F: 724-772-5468

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