43Vision Compares Refractive Lens Exchange vs. Cataract Surgery

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -

43Vision, a vision correction center in Oklahoma City, OK, has recently posted an article on their website that compares refractive lens exchange vs. cataract surgery. While the two procedures are similar, they have some differences. Both can help with treating cataracts, which is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This is a natural occurrence as a person ages because the proteins in the lens begin to break down. Cataracts typically develop very slowly and may not have any noticeable negative effects on vision at the start. However, while they are rarely dangerous, over time, they are likely to cause problems with eyesight, resulting in blurred vision that cannot be remedied by a corrective lens. More than 90 percent of 65 year old people have cataracts, and 50 percent of those who are between the ages of 75 and 85 have some kind of visual impairment as a result of cataracts. It should be noted that this has nothing to do with overusing the eyes and it does not spread from one eye to the other.

In refractive lens exchange or RLE, which is also known as custom lens replacement (CLR), the natural lens of the eye is removed and then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct the vision problem. Before starting the procedure, anesthetic eye drops is used to numb the eye. The surgeon will then make a less than 3mm-long opening in the eye and the lens of the eye is removed using an ultrasound probe. The new IOL, which is flexible and foldable, is then placed in the eye. The procedure can be done in less than 30 minutes and the implanted IOL is considered to be permanent.

RLE and cataract surgery are essentially the same procedure that involves the replacement of the natural lens with the implant of a phakic IOL but there are a number of vital differences. The primary distinction is that in RLE, the natural lens is not cloudy and the primary goal of the procedure is to reduce the patient’s need for glasses. RLE is not usually utilized to treat cataracts but it can prevent the development of cataracts later in life because the IOLs cannot get cataracts.

Many patients prefer to undergo RLE for treatment of presbyopia that cannot be treated effectively with laser vision correction. Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the natural lens loses its capability to focus on close objects. The primary difference between RLE and cataract surgery is that cataract patients are seeking for treatment for a visual impairment that cannot be remedied by prescription eyeglasses and are satisfied with any level of improved vision. On the other hand, RLE patients usually have good vision when using contact lenses or eyeglasses and their purpose is to remove their dependence on corrective glasses or contact lenses.

43Vision specializes in RLE or CLR and it is their most recommended vision correction alternative because it is able to address a variety of visions problems. A spokesperson for 43Vision says, “To learn more and find out if you are a candidate for RLE, schedule your exam with our highly trained and experienced team at 43Vision. Call our 43Vision office or schedule an exam on our website now.”

Established in 2022, 43Vision is the first vision correction practice that is focused on the treatment of patients who are 43 years old and up who want to improve their vision without using reading glasses or bifocals. They employ the most advanced technology for treating the effects of presbyopia, including avoiding the possibility of cataracts in the future. This vision correction center employs the expertise of a group of vision correction surgeons: Drs. Kasey Brown, Anna Edmiston, and Luke Rebenitsch. A team of optometrists also offer their expertise at the practice, namely: Drs. Stephen Fly, Stacey Rockett, and Diane Tong.

Those who are interested in learning more about the Refractive Lens Exchange and other vision correction procedures can visit the 43Vision website or contact them on the telephone or through email.