Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your eye’s clear natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that permanently corrects your refractive error to achieve sharper focus, thus greatly reducing or entirely eliminating your need for reading glasses or bifocals. Because the procedure is the same as a cataract operation, using a sophisticated, aspheric implant, you can never develop cataracts after having the refractive lens exchange procedure.
In fact, the 10-minute RLE procedure is virtually identical to cataract surgery. First, our eye surgeon employs the latest anesthesia techniques to freeze the eye without using a needle. A microscopic, self-healing incision is made in the cornea, and the most advanced ultrasound technology is used to remove the eye's lens. The defective lens is then replaced with a new foldable artificial lens, which unfolds easily and automatically takes the natural lens's place.
There is no one size fits all solution for every patient, and each type of implant has its advantages and disadvantages regarding the best uncorrected vision it produces at different distances. Your eye surgeon will examine your eyes to recommend the type of lens most suitable for your individual needs.
Within minutes after the surgery, natural processes seal the micro-incision in the cornea. The lens implant remains within your eye without needing further care after surgery.
After refractive lens exchange surgery, it usually takes about a week to resume regular work, driving, and daily activities, as your eyes need this time to heal naturally. After that time, you won’t feel the IOL in your eye because it doesn’t sit on the eye's surface like a contact lens, but rather inside the eye. The artificial IOL is designed to last the rest of your life, with extremely minimal risk of your prescription changing or deteriorating over time.
Your eligibility for Lasik will be determined upon your consultation. Patients with certain degenerative eye disorders, a history of aggressive scar formation post skin incision or autoimmune disorders (Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) are not eligible for surgery.
If you are considering laser eye surgery but fear that you may be too old, you’ll be pleased to know that there is no age limit. Once you’ve reached the minimum recommended age, you can undergo laser vision correction at any point in your life. While you are never too old for this procedure, there is a lower age limit requirement. It is not recommended for those under the age of 18, as their eyes are still developing, and their eyesight will likely continue to change as they age. After 18, surgery may be considered for those under 21 as long as they have had a consistent prescription for two or more years.
Topical Anesthetics (eye drops) are given to the patient. This aids in numbing the eye during the procedure so the patient feels no pain. When the vacuum ring is applied by the surgeon, there is a sensation of slight pressure experienced by the patient just before his/her vision fades away for a few moments. Both Laser and precision flap – making instrument don’t cause any pain. Many patients experience a mild sensation similar to wearing dirty contact lens or opening the eye in chlorinated water during a swim. These sensations subside after a few hours.
This operations entails quick visual recovery. The day of the surgery, most patients are able to attain good vision and find their eyes feel fairly normal. However, higher prescriptions can take up to two – three months to improve and attain the best vision. Adjustments to the surgery called enhancements can be done if necessary.
Lasik eye surgery is a popular, tried-and-true method for perfecting your vision and can help you leave your cumbersome glasses behind. Avoid fogging lenses during the winter, keeping up with frame styles, and pain on the bridge of your nose. Lasik surgery will take away these annoyances for good.
The surgery typically takes less than 10 minutes per eye and you can notice vision improvements as soon as the next day. Your vision will continue to improve over the next two weeks.
Both procedures are safe, comfortable and an effective solutions to many vision problems including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Refractive Lens Exchange is virtually the same as cataract surgery, which is the most common surgical procedure in the world. After making small incisions in the cornea and using ultrasound to remove your natural lens, your surgeon inserts an intraocular lens (IOL) into the empty capsule.
RLE and LLE are lens-based refractive procedures (as opposed to Laser Vision Correction, which is cornea-based refractive procedures). RLE and LLE are recommended for patients who are over 40 years old and wish to reduce their dependence on reading glasses as a result of the ageing changes of the natural lens. Both procedures can improve conditions including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, as well as presbyopia.
UltraView ReLACS™ gives your surgeon the ability to create custom blade-free incisions in the cornea to make the oval shape of the cornea rounder. Reducing astigmatism improves your natural vision and can reduce your dependence on glasses.
UltraView ReLACS™ softens the hard cataract lens allowing your surgeon to remove it with greater ease and more importantly, reducing (or eliminating in some cases) the amount of ultrasound energy applied inside the eye. This results in less eye swelling, faster healing, and as suggested by a recent study1 a distinct visual benefit in those undergoing UltraView ReLACS™.
The first step of UltraView ReLACS™ is the acquisition of high-definition 3-D images of the eye using an OCT (optical coherence tomography). These images are then used to guide the femtosecond laser to make precise, surgeon-programmed incisions in the eye to enhance or replace several critical steps performed during cataract surgery.
Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) is a major breakthrough in the way cataract surgery is performed. This innovative technique brings an unprecedented level of precision and safety to a surgery that is traditionally performed manually by hand and with ultrasound energy.
Sagging skin that interrupts the contour of the upper eyelid and blocks one’s vision are signs of aging upper & lower lids. Other signs may include: 1. Puffiness or bags under the eyes; 2. Excess skin or fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid; 3. Drooping skin on the lower eyelids.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
PRK and LASIK are very similar, however, they are difference in one major way. During LASIK, a flap is created on the topmost layer of the cornea which allows the cornea to be reshaped before the flap is set back down. During PRK, on the other hand, the epithelium is removed to allow the laser to reshape the cornea. This tissue will grow back as part of the healing process.
Ideal candidates for PRK are people who would like to achieve a great vision without reliance on corrective lenses. They experience refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
Eighteen years old and above is an ideal age range. Your general health and cornea must be healthy.
Some discomfort or mild pain can be expected for around 3 days following PRK Laser Vision Surgery. Over-the-counter pain medications are effective for pain management in most cases.
The Dry Eye Clinic at U Eye Laser Cosmetic (UELC) is designed to properly diagnose, find the cause, classify the severity and treat all aspects of dry eye. This clinic is very unique in the GTA as it provides a multi-specialty approach of your indiviualized dry eye management. The corner stone of treatment at the Dry Eye Clinic is UltraView DEL.
Abnoral or deficient tear quality and/or quantity can cause dry eye. Tears are made up of 3 layers: lipid, aqueous, and mucin. The meibomian gland in the eyelid produces the lipid layer - and its function decreases as we age. In addution to this there are many other causes that may further aggravate dry eye (eg. surgery, medication, hormonal change, medical diseases etc.)
Dry eye is a very common condition that results from inadequate lubrication of the eye.
The Dry Eye Clinic at U Eye Laser Cosmetic (UELC) is designed to properly diagnose, find the cause, classify the severity and treat all aspects of dry eye. This clinic is very unique in the GTA as it provides a multi-speciality approach for your individualized dry eye management. The corner stone of treatment at the Dry Eye Clinic is the UltraView DEL.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat.
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Candidacy depends on a number of factors including the health of the eye and more importantly the severity of the corneal condition. The eye specialists at U Eye Laser Cosmetic can determine if UltraView XLINKING ™️ is suitable for your eyes.
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the world's first intraocular lens that is fully adjustable within the comfort of the office setting. The LAL is made of special photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of you implanted lens in response to a customized UV light.
UltraView XLINKING is not designed to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
UltraView DEL applies gentle pulses of light to liquify hardened oils, support natural oil production, and restore patient comfort.
Abnormal or deficient tear quality and/or quantity can cause dry eye. Tears are made up of 3 layers: lipid, aqueous, and mucin. The meibomian gland in the eyelid produces the lipid layer - and its function decreases as we age. In addition to this there are many other causes that may further aggravate dry eye (eg. surgery, medication, hormonal change, medical diseases etc.)
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure that aims to improve or restore vision by replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that can improve your distance vision, reading vision or both. RLE is an excellent option if you are not a candidate for trandisional laser eye surgery, such as LASIK.
How does RLE work?
During the RLE surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL acts as a permanent implant that provides clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. The type of IOL chosen depends on the patient's visual needs and eye health. The surgery typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthesia.
Who is a good candidate for RLE?
RLE is recommended for patients who are over 40 years old and wish to reduce their dependence on glasses and contacts. This procedure can improve near and distance vision as well as astigmatism.
What are the benefits of RLE?
The main benefit of RLE is improved vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Other advantages include reduced risk of developing cataracts in the future, improved night vision, and enhanced color perception. RLE can also correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error that causes blurred vision.
What are the potential risks and complications of RLE?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with RLE. Our eye care professionals will review all risks during a consultation.
Aftercare following RLE surgery
After the surgery, patients will need to rest for a few days to allow their eyes to heal properly. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and refrain from rubbing their eyes for at least two weeks. Follow-up appointments with the eye surgeon will also be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal vision correction.
Contact UELC to Get Started!
Refractive Lens Exchange is a safe and effective procedure for correcting refractive errors and achieving clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. It is important to consult with the experienced eye surgeons at UELC to determine if RLE is the right option for you. Proper aftercare following surgery is also crucial for successful outcomes. With RLE, many patients can enjoy clear vision well into their golden years. So if you are considering RLE, make sure to reach out to UELC to determine if it is the best option for your individual needs and goals. Your future self will thank you for investing in your vision health. Keep seeing the world clearly with RLE! Remember, better vision means a better life.
We aim to care for our patients compassionately in a technologically cutting edge environment using the latest advances in clinical research.