The Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as custom lens replacement, can help patients who are over 40 and experiencing vision changes from aging (presbyopia), to achieve visual freedom from eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most of us know about cataract surgery where the cloudy lens in the eye is broken up, removed and replaced by an artificial lens. With RLE, you can replace your natural lens with a more powerful artificial lens. This surgery will correct your vison—both near and far—permanently. And since the replacement lens is artificial, similar to cataract lens replacement, the eyes will not develop cataracts as you age. NYEE offers a wide variety of intraocular lens implants including:

• Monofocal lens
• Multi-focal lens
• Extended depth of field lens
• Astigmatism-correcting toric lens
• Light adjustable lens
• Pinhole intraocular lens

We will work with you to customize your treatment plan based on your eye health, lifestyle, and budget.

Initial Consultation

The first step is to see the surgeon for a thorough eye exam. Your doctor will measure the curvature of the eye, and check corneal thickness, pupil size, tear production, and overall eye health. We will also discuss your vison goals and your lifestyle. We take all of these factors into consideration when deciding if you are a good candidate for custom lens replacement. Your surgeon will discuss all the intraocular implant lens options to customize your treatment plan to your individual needs. This is a good time for you to ask all your questions about the implant and surgical options.

Candidates

Your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye exam to determine if you are a candidate for RLE. Please take this opportunity to ask questions about the implant options and what they can do for your vision. Good candidates for the RLE procedure are patients who:

• Are dependent on bifocal, varifocal, or multifocal contact lenses or glasses
• Are not good candidates for other refractive procedures
• Have had LASIK when they were younger but now need reading glasses due to vision problems from aging (presbyopia)

Your ophthalmologist will be able to advise what procedure may be right for you based on your eye and overall health.