RLE Lasik Alternative
RLE Lasik Alternative
LASIK is the most popular vision correction surgery, but not everyone is a good candidate. If you have a severe refractive error or an abnormal cornea, RLE could be a better choice. Learn more about this LASIK alternative and whether you could be a good candidate.
Contact our Rockville, MD, office for an eye exam and RLE consultation today at 301-896-0890. You can also contact us online for more information about our vision services.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RLE?
Meet with your ophthalmologist to discuss your eligibility for RLE. To be a good candidate, you must meet these requirements:
- Be age 21 or older (the best candidates are over age 40)
- Have stable vision for six months leading up to surgery
- Have healthy eyes with no history of eye disease
Refractive lens exchange is gaining popularity among people age 40 and older who want to set back the clock on their eyesight. You should consider RLE if you have not yet developed cataracts and are experiencing any of these visual changes as you age:
- Difficulty reading without glasses or bifocals
- Difficulty seeing near objects
- Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night
- Increasing severity of farsightedness
What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an outpatient experience. It is done one eye at a time and usually takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Topical or local anesthesia is used with a mild sedative to prepare you for surgery. Patients may note a pressure sensation and a “light show” during the procedure. The natural lens is broken up by ultrasound into minute particles and removed from the eye. Most of the time, no sutures are needed as the incision is small and usually self-seals.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
There are minimal restrictions, even immediately after surgery. You will be using antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for a few weeks to aid in the healing process. Standard post-op visits are 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year. Patients are required to have a driver take them home after surgery and drive them to their one day post-op visit. Patients can usually return to work and normal activities after the first post-op visit.
Schedule Your RLE Consultation at Visionary Eye Doctors
Refractive Lens Exchange is a lifestyle choice that brings your favorite activities into focus. During your consultation, our surgeon will assess if RLE is the best procedure for you. We’ll also recommend the correct type of IOL based on your vision needs and eye health.
To request a free RLE consultation, please contact us online or call 301-896-0890 today. We have three offices in the DC area to better serve you.