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Refractive lens exchange surgery entails removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a monofocal, multifocal or toric intraocular lens. As a result, you might be able to reduce or completely diminish your need for contacts or glasses.
Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Benaim, can help you weigh the options and determine if refractive lens exchange surgery is right for you.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Refractive lens exchange offers a number of benefits, including:
- Stability over time
- The ability to see near and far, with both eyes, and have less dependency on glasses or contacts
- Eliminating the need for cataract surgery later in life
What to Expect During Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
During a refractive lens exchange, the natural lens inside the eye is removed and replaced with the artificial lens you and Dr. Benaim selected. The main difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange is that cataract surgery is performed to remove the cataract that is obscuring and clouding vision, while the refractive lens exchange is performed to reduce or eliminate a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Refractive lens exchange surgery is performed on one eye at a time and is generally an outpatient procedure. The eye is numbed with a topical anesthesia, and the eye’s natural lens will be gently vacuumed out through a tiny incision.
The intraocular lens is inserted through the same incision. The lens unfolds into the capsule that originally surrounded your natural lens. The small incision is self-sealing and does not require stitches.
The recovery time from refractive lens exchange surgery is typically fast (as soon as the next day). After that, you should notice improved vision and be back to normal activity.
To schedule an appointment to discuss your potential need for refractive lens exchange, please call (561) 747-7777.