Vista Eyes - Laser Eye Clinic









RLE's PDF Print E-mail

What is RLE?

In Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) - sometimes called Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) - the artificial lens of the eye is removed and an artifical lens is inserted.

The number of RLE's per year is growing, as RLE is often better for some patients than laser vision correction. Those who can benefit:

  • Patients whose prescription is outisde our range of safe and effective laser treatment.
  • Patients over 45 who have lost the ability to focus for near (presbyopia).
  • Patients with slight but visually insignificant cataract.

What is presbyopia?

The natural lens of the eye is responsible for the change of focus from distance viewing to near. It gets stiffer and more resistant to a change in shape as we get older (presbyopia).

presbyopia

Lens Options

Artificial lenses are known as intraocular lenses (IOL's). Vistaeyes offers a range of IOL's, which have different designs and focussing powers. Dr Wolfe chooses the appropriate power of the lens for your vision. To do this, he uses our advanced technology to measure the curvature of the cornea and the length of the eye.

The Procedure

Prior to the Procedure

In preparation for your RLE procedure there are a few things to remember prior to coming in on the day.

  • Do not wear soft contact lenses for seven days prior to your procedure
  • Do not wear any makeup or fragrances on the day of surgery
  • You should take any prescribed medications as normal unless advised otherwise by Dr Wolfe
  • You will need to fast at least five hours prior to your procedure. However, if you have a condition such as diabetes, Dr Wolfe will discuss your specific fasting requirements with you.

The Procedure

Each eye is treated on different days, usually one week to one month apart. You will spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes in theatre.

  • When you arrive at the day surgery facility on the day of your procedure, anaesthetic eye drops will be administered to numb your eye and you will be given a sedative to make you feel more relaxed.
  • You will be sedated and comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • The natural lens is removed, using a technique called phacoemulsification. The advantages of this technique are that you can return home within hours of the procedure, a faster recovery of good vision (days instead of weeks or months) and a faster return to normal activities.
  • A new lens is inserted with a special injector and unfolds inside the eye. The lens is then positioned within the eye.
RLE Lens
  • The incision is created so that it seals on its own, normally without the need for stitches.

After the Procedure

You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to take for a few weeks after surgery. You can expect your vision to be blurry for approximately 24 to 48 hours after your procedure; but many can see well the next day. You may also experience some discomfort or a mild gritty sensation within the first one to three days.

You are able to return to most normal activities a few days after your procedure. However, we ask that you do not drive until you have been advised it is safe to do so. Your vision will improve and sometimes fluctuate within the firt weeks as healing occurs.

We ask that you return the following day to have your eyes checked by Dr Wolfe. In approximately three weeks time, your vision will stabilise. If any glasses, such as reading glasses, are required, this is the time they are ordered. Some patients may need laser treatment to tewak the final result, and this will generally be performed at three months.