What Is Refractive Lens Exchange? Your Questions Answered

Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Ltd.

There is no one-procedure-fits-all approach when it comes to vision correction. Every patient is different and so are their needs. One option that your doctor may discuss with you when you are considering vision correction procedures is refractive lens exchange. If you are curious about this vision correction procedure, then this article is for you. Here, the talented team at Berks Eye answers your top questions about refractive lens exchange.

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is a vision correction procedure. The eye surgeon replaces the natural lens in the eye with an artificial lens.

What Can Refractive Lens Exchange Correct?

Refractive lens exchange can correct a number of vision issues including the following:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism (imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred vision at all distances)
  • Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)

What Types of Lenses Are Used?

The type of lens used during refractive lens exchange will depend on the patient and their vision needs. There are different types of lens implants including monofocal lenses and multifocal lenses. A monofocal lens provides clearer vision at a specific distance. A multifocal lens, as its name suggests, allows for clearer vision at multiple distances. 

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure is relatively fast and can often be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, the eye surgeon carefully removes the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.

What Is Recovery Like for Refractive Lens Exchange?

Patients tend to recover quickly from the refractive lens exchange procedure and most patients require minimal downtime. However, every patient is unique. If you are considering refractive lens exchange, your eye surgeon will provide you with instructions for your recovery.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Refractive lens exchange offers permanent vision correction with results that should last forever. However, age-related changes may eventually necessitate the use of glasses. Your eye surgeon should advise you regarding the anticipated results.

How Do I Find Out if Refractive Lens Exchange Is Right for Me?

The only way to know if refractive lens exchange is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist. Refractive lens exchange is often a good option for patients who do not qualify for PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

Schedule Your Consultation

To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss refractive lens exchange, please call (610) 372-0712. 

ADDRESS:
1802 Paper Mill Road Wyomissing, PA 19610
PHONE:
FAX:
(610) 376-6968
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm