Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Currently, Dr. Olkowski uses refractive lens exchange for patients who have imperfections in the natural lens of their eye, or in other words, early signs of cataracts. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a refractive lensectomy or a clear lens exchange. These lens implants replace the natural lens, which has imperfections because of the eye’s natural aging process. In some cases, this procedure can be combined with LASIK, rather than as an alternative to LASIK to completely reduce a patient’s need for glasses or contacts.
Why choose an RLE over LASIK?
1. Because a patient may have slight imperfections in the natural lens of the eye that will one day further develop into a cataract, it makes sense to remove that lens along with the early imperfections, to improve the overall quality of the entire eye system. This is most common in patients who are 55 years of age and older.
2. For hyperopic (farsighted) patients, a lens implant makes better sense for the long term. LASIK does an excellent job with helping patients that have mild hyperopia, but when the hyperopic prescription is outside of the range Dr. Olkowski usually treats with LASIK, an RLE is a better alternative.
3. With new IOL technology, which includes the Crystalens, a patient’s accommodation can be restored after RLE surgery. For patients that are over the age of 40 and require the assistance of reading glasses or bifocals, an accommodating lens implant can greatly reduce, or even eliminate the need for reading glasses as well as glasses for distance.
When speaking with Dr. Olkowski about cataract surgery, it is very important to tell him about any medications you are currently taking or have ever taken especially the following:
Cardura (Doxazosin)
Dibenzyline (Phenoxybenzamine)
Flomax (Tamsulosin)
Hytrin (Terazosin)
Minipress (Prazosin)
Regitine, Rogitine (Phentolamine)
Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office and we would be happy to assist you. |