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- What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
- What Is RLE Surgery Like?
- What Is Recovery Like From Refractive Lens Exchange?
- What Are the Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?
- Capstone Vision & Aesthetics Reviews
- Who Is an Ideal Candidate for RLE?
- Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ
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What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Board-certified ophthalmology specialist Dr. Leslie Emmert-Buck and her highly trained team of ocular specialists are proud to conduct RLE (refractive lens exchange) for Auburn Hills, MI clients. RLE is essentially the same thing as cataract surgery except the RLE candidate has not developed cataracts. With RLE, the natural lens is exchanged with a premium IOL (intraocular lens) to correct or significantly reduce many types of refractive problems and maximize focusing power and crisp vision at multiple ranges.
RLE is often an excellent treatment alternative for people who have abnormally severe degrees of myopia or hyperopia and who aren’t ideal candidates for other popular refractive vision procedures. In addition, an impressive benefit is that an artificial lens cannot develop cataracts; therefore, RLE alleviates that worry.
Contact or visit Capstone Vision & Aesthetics to set up your eye assessment, and find out if RLE is the best option for you. RLE is especially ideal for those who have lost near vision and are between the ages of 40 – 55.
What Is RLE Surgery Like?
Capstone Vision & Aesthetics offers refractive lens exchange as an outpatient surgery that typically is completed in 15 minutes, but if you are going to receive RLE for each eye, you should wait about 5 – 10 days between procedures.
Your RLE surgery will begin with our team applying special eye drops to fully numb the eyes. A mild sedative can also be administered to maximize comfort, if needed. Dr. Emmert-Buck will place an exceptionally small incision in the corneal tissue and use laser or ultrasound technology to delicately dissolve the patient's existing lens and suction it away. Then, she will insert the premium lens in the eye using the existing, nearly microscopic incision, which will heal without sutures in a few days.
What Is Recovery Like From Refractive Lens Exchange?
When your anesthetic eye drops start to dissipate, you will feel some slight discomfort. However, it should only last 1 – 2 days and can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medication. Nearly all people who undergo RLE can expect to experience their new vision in only a few days, and most patients can even drastically decrease or end their requirement for corrective eyewear.
During the first several weeks, you might notice a few moments of hazy vision, halos, and dryness off and on. These are normal parts of the adjustment period and aren't a cause for concern. Capstone Vision & Aesthetics will arrange ongoing, crucial follow-up appointments in the weeks after your RLE surgery to monitor the course of your recuperation.
What Are the Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?
There are many advantages to undergoing RLE surgery at Capstone Vision & Aesthetics. Our board-certified ophthalmologist performs this procedure with precision, and our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced technology to ensure successful outcomes. Even though the synthetic lens is unaffected by cataracts, it has the potential to offer a lifetime of clear vision. This procedure may also be ideal for those who are not suitable candidates for LASIK surgery or other laser treatments due to corneal thickness. Additional benefits include:
- A quick and minimally invasive procedure
- Achieve clearer vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Safe and effective with minimal risk of complications
Capstone Vision & Aesthetics Reviews
Dr. Emmert-Buck and staff are amazing. Needed cataract surgery and they walked me thru every step of the way. I also had Lasik performed to correct my nearsightedness. No more glasses or contacts!!! Fantastic Surgeon! Thank you Capstone.
Went in for LASIK consult and we settled on PRK as the path forward. Honestly the best money I think I've ever spent, both in terms of the procedure and who handled the operation. Dr. Emmert-Buck and her staff are all so wonderfully attentive and personable. There was even a self-caused issue after the procedure and Dr. Emmert-Buck was quick with being able to meet me the day it happened and help me resolve the issue. If I ever need touch ups later on in life, I know where I'm going!
Came in for LASIK consult and did PRK with Dr. Leslie Emmert-Buck. She is very nice and reliable person. Happy with what I did and highly recommended.
My visit to get a biannual check up was great. The exams started on time and procedures were explained along the way. Dr. Emmert-Buck explained results of the various exams. The entire team offered a great experience.
Hi I saw Dr Leslie for my Keracornus. She, and her staff we're very nice, patient, and explained in detail about my disease and what options were available. She referred me to kellog eye Institute if I decided to do surgery. She even called at 6pm to let me know that where I stood on the referral. Her receptionist Tanya was so nice. Her assistant was very nice. I thank her for being honest and being very patient. Diane A
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Who Is an Ideal Candidate for RLE?
Usually, refractive lens exchange is performed on those with profound levels of myopia or hyperopia who can't be helped using laser eye procedures. RLE may also be recommended for individuals whose corneal tissue is of inadequate thickness for LASIK or alternative popular types of laser refractive procedures.
After your first consultation at Capstone Vision & Aesthetics to determine if you're eligible for RLE, our specialists will determine the most effective kind of artificial lenses for your unique refractive error needs. The new lenses are then specially created.
Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ
Is refractive lens exchange a safe treatment?
Yes, RLE is a safe and effective treatment for correcting refractive errors. It has been used for decades with high success rates and there are few complications associated with the procedure. After treatment, Dr. Emmert-Buck can provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We have helped countless patients achieve clear and crisp vision through RLE surgery.
Is RLE surgery permanent?
RLE is designed to be a long-lasting solution for vision correction. The exchanged artificial lens cannot develop cataracts and typically does not need to be replaced. However, natural aging changes can still impact your vision over time, so it's important to attend regular eye exams and report any new or concerning symptoms to Capstone Vision & Aesthetics.
Will I need to use glasses after RLE surgery?
Most patients who undergo RLE surgery in Auburn Hills, MI find that they no longer need glasses or contacts for clear vision. Of course, some people may still need reading glasses for close-up tasks due to the natural aging process of the eyes. We can help ensure you have realistic expectations and understand the potential outcomes of RLE surgery.
Long-Term Clear Vision
RLE at Capstone Vision & Aesthetics is an amazing surgery that can dramatically enhance not just your acuity but your general feeling of independence. For adults who might not be great candidates for LASIK, LASEK, or ASA/PRK, RLE has the potential to decrease or end the dependence on corrective lenses, not to mention the possibility of having cataracts. Call or visit our Auburn Hills, MI office to set up your consultation.