Refractive Lens Exchange
The Refractive Lens Exchange is used for correction of severe nearsightedness (- 8 dpt and higher) and severe farsightedness (+ 4 dpt and higher).
The refractive error is corrected by removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with a synthetic lens of adjusted refractive power. The refractive lens exchange is known for the high potential of exact predictability, the reproducibility of the surgical success and the reversibility of the procedure.
For this outpatient procedure, the eye is opened at the periphery of the cornea. Just as in the case of modern cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens made out of acrylic or a flexible material. After the lens has been inserted, the incision closes upon itself or is closed with a suture.
The Refractive Lens Exchange always results in a loss of accommodation so that reading glasses are usually needed. Therefore it is a good solution for patients who already have a loss of accommodation and need reading glasses, especially when an onset of cataract is present.
Some patients may benefit from the implantation of a multifocal lens which has several points of refraction and therefore allows focused vision at all distances. In this case, the procedure is also called presbyopic lens exchange or PRELEX.
Sometimes, a secondary cataract may occur behind the new synthetic lens within months to years. It can easily be treated with a laser without the need to open up the eye.