New Technology IOLs Exciting advances in intraocular lens design now give patients the option to choose a Monofocal, Multifocal, Accommodating, or Toric IOL to correct their vision. Both Monofocal and Toric lOLs correct nearsightedness and farsightedness and provide excellent vision at one point of focus, usually distance. Toric lOLs also correct astigmatism. Both of these lens types can also be used to provide "monovision" or "blended vision," where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye corrected for either intermediate or near. In contrast to Monofocal and Toric lOLs, Multifocal and Accommodating lOLs, also known as Presbyopia-Correcting lOLs (PC-IOLs), provide a full range of clearer vision at multiple distances: near, intermediate, and distant, thereby allowing a person to perform most of| their daily activities with reduced or no dependence on glasses.	REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE What is Refractive Lens Exchange? Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an alternative procedure to laser vision correction and other refractive surgery procedures. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even presbyopia using new technology intraocular lens implants (lOLs). Presbyopia is a progressive condition typically requiring individuals over the age of 40 to become dependent on reading glasses. Millions of eyes have received lOLs when undergoing cataract surgery using the same highly successful surgical techniques used in RLE. RLE may be the procedure of choice for patients who are too nearsighted, too farsighted, or have corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction. It may also be a viable alternative for those over the age of 40 who wish to eliminate their dependence on bifocals or reading glasses and for those individuals who may be showing signs of developing cataracts. There are three anatomical factors tha contribute to how well the eye can focus images: the curvature of the cornea, the power of the eye's internal natural lens, and the length of the eye. Many vision correction procedures, such as laser vision correction, change the focusing power of the eye by changing the curvature of the cornea. RLE, on the other hand, corrects, vision by replacing the eye's natura lens with an intraocular lens of the appropriate power of each person's eye length and cornea curvature. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) RLE is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in an ambulatory surgery center. The primary difference between cataract surgery and RLE is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient's cloudy lens, and RLE is performed to reduce one's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The eye is anesthetized to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Today's modern surgical techniques allow surgeons to remove the natural lens from the eye, using ultrasonic vibrations through a microincision of 3mm or less. The natural lens is replaced by the intraocular lens, which is inserted through the microincision. Once inside the eye, the lens spontaneously unfolds as it is placed into permanent position. No sutures are required because the small incision is self-sealing. Limbal Relaxing Incisions Multifocal and Accommodating lOLs cannot correct astigmatism, and some patients have a degree of corneal astigmatism that will require additional correction. Relaxing incisions can be made in the outer margins of the cornea at the same time RLE is performed. These micro-incisions, called Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs), create a more symmetrical cornea, thereby reducing or eliminating astigmatism. After Refractive Lens Exchange Patients go home soon after the procedure to relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately, and most resume their normal activities within a day or two. RLE is usually performed on the second eye a week to several weeks after the first procedure. Your vision will continue to improve over time as your brain adapts to your new intraocula lenses. Once stable, your vision is unlikely to change over time. In fact, patients having RLE now will avoid cataract surgery later in life. RLE Considerations Most vision correction procedures, such as laser vision correction, involve the less invasive process of changing the shape of the cornea. Patients having RLE have minimal risks of experiencing the side effects and complications associated with laser vision procedures. However, since RLE involves surgery inside the eye, there are a numbe of side effects and complications associated with RLE that are different from cornea procedures. You will be given additional information about these risks that will help you decide if RLE is right for you. Your doctor will be happy to discuss these details and answer any of your questions during your office visit. YOU HAVE THE QUESTIONS AND WE HAVE THE ANSWERS! CALL US TODAY Mentor (440) 205-5840 Chardon (440) 286-1188 OR EMAIL US: