Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an advanced, outpatient procedure to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism in adults. Nix Eye Care and Surgery can offer refractive lens exchange for patients aged 40 and over. Thomas Nix, MD, uses minimally invasive techniques to replace your natural eye lens with a prescription lens, allowing you to see more clearly at all distances. Call the Jonesboro, Arkansas, office today to find out if you’re a candidate for refractive lens exchange surgery or book a consultation online. 

What is refractive lens exchange (RLE)?

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an eye surgery to replace the natural lens of your eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE surgery is similar to a multifocal or toric lens implant procedure following cataract removal surgery, except it aims to correct vision issues like:

• Astigmatism
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)

Nix Eye Care and Surgery offers outpatient refractive lens exchange surgery for adults. Dr. Nix uses the latest, minimally invasive techniques to remove your natural lens and replace it with an intraocular lens, so your vision improves without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses

Am I a candidate for refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is an elective surgery that may benefit individuals aged 40 and over who have astigmatism or other refractive errors and want clearer vision without contacts or eyeglasses.

Dr. Nix offers comprehensive eye exams to identify  diseases like macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and uveitis, which can disqualify you from surgery. He also assesses your visual acuity to confirm that an intraocular lens can provide the appropriate vision correction.

You might not qualify for refractive lens exchange surgery if you have an underlying eye disease or conditions like diabetes. If you’re under age 40, Dr. Nix can discuss your options for LASIK surgery to correct refractive errors.

What can I expect during refractive lens exchange surgery?

During your appointment for refractive lens exchange surgery, Dr. Nix administers numbing eyedrops to prevent discomfort. He makes a small incision in your cornea and uses a special tool to break up and remove your natural lens.

Dr. Nix inserts the IOL through the small incision and positions it in place. The incision heals on its own without stitches.

You’re free to go home and rest after a brief period of recovery. Initially, you may have blurry vision for several days. You might also experience watery eyes, redness, or a gritty sensation in the eye. These symptoms resolve over time, and your vision continues to clear.

Dr. Nix continues to monitor your recovery and checks your visual acuity during a follow-up visit several weeks after surgery.

Call Nix Eye Care and Surgery today to schedule a refractive lens exchange consultation. You can also book an appointment online.