Refractive lens exchange is a surgical procedure in which the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This procedure is sometimes called "clear lens extraction" and is most often performed on patients over 40 years of age who have high levels of farsightedness (better distance vision than near vision). It is also commonly performed on patients who are not good candidates for laser vision correction due to thin or flat corneas or high levels of farsightedness.
At Clínica Nivaria, we'll tell you several interesting facts about this procedure that may be your best option to say goodbye to glasses:
What are the benefits of refractive lens exchange?
Among the benefits we can list:
- Prevention of future development of cataracts.
- Good to excellent distance vision after implantation of monofocal lenses (close working distance tasks still require glasses).
- Good to excellent near, intermediate and far vision with multi-focus lens implantation.
- Possible reduction in the likelihood of needing future vision correction with laser or glasses.
What types of lenses are used?
For those with farsightedness (hyperopia) and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), refractive lens exchange is often the treatment of choice. During a refractive lens exchange procedure, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). There are several IOL options to choose from, and one of our leading ophthalmologists can help you decide which one best suits your needs.
- Single-focus intraocular lenses: These lenses offer clearer vision both near and far. Lenses that correct astigmatism also fall into this category.
- Multi-focus intraocular lenses: These lenses can reduce dependence on glasses for seeing at far, intermediate, and near distances.
- Pseudo-adjustable intraocular lenses: This lens automatically changes its position within the eye, providing less dependence on glasses at far and intermediate distances.
In addition to improving the vision of qualified patients, refractive lens exchange can help prevent the development of cataracts in the future.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
Refractive lens exchange is similar to cataract surgery. A very small incision, only two to three millimeters long, is made in the edge of the cornea, which is the clear, transparent covering at the front of the eye.
A probe is inserted through the small incision and used to gently fragment the lens with high-frequency sound waves and remove the fragmented pieces. Once the lens has been removed, a small, new, clear implant lens is inserted in its place. Typically, the refractive lens exchange is performed on one eye first and then on the second eye one to four weeks later, after the first eye has stabilized.
The replacement of refractive lenses is usually performed under local anesthesia at our clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your visit, including pre- and post-operative care, will last one to two hours. You will need to be accompanied by a friend or family member who can drive you home afterward.
What should I expect during recovery and postoperative care?
The day after your surgery, you should visit us at our clinic. One of our refractive surgery specialists will ensure you are recovering properly. Some patients may experience blurred vision the day after surgery, while others see clearly: each patient's recovery is different.
Your vision should improve within a few days, although full healing may take several months. For the first 4 to 7 days after surgery, you should avoid lifting heavy objects and bending over.
If you're looking for the best eye surgeons in Santa Cruz de Tenerife , visit Clínica Nivaria for the best care in the Canary Islands. We'd be delighted to see you!
