LASIK MD Laser Eye Surgery – Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

More and more people are choosing RLE for improved quality of life. Worldwide, over 50 million intraocular lenses (IOL) have been implanted in patients. Although RLE is similar to cataract surgery, the reasons for performing the surgery are different. RLE is performed for patients whose natural lenses have insufficient power to permit a clear vision without visual aids. RLE is recommended for patients who are not candidates for laser eye surgery.

Thanks to our affiliation with CATARACT MD, we are able to offer you a full range of vision correction procedures. CATARACT MD is a world-class intraocular surgery facility offering premium care with highly trained eye surgeons at your service. Please visit www.cataractmd.ca for more information.

A Ten-Minute Procedure…

	Step 1 – The latest anesthesia techniques use drops and gel to freeze the eye. The use of needles is not required. The surgeon then enters the front part of the eye through a microscopic incision in the cornea measuring only 1/10 inch. This incision is self-healing and does not require stitches.
	Step 2 – Surgeons use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to remove the lens of the eye. Through this specialized and precise instrument, called a phacoemulsifier, the lens is then removed.
	Step 3 – The lens is then replaced with a new foldable artificial lens.
	Step 4 – The new lens unfolds and takes the place of the natural lens, for an easy and smooth transition. Within minutes, natural forces seal the microincision in the cornea. The procedure is completed, with no stitches required, allowing for a speedy self-healing process. The procedure generally requires ten minutes of operating room time

RLE can be used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), lens opacities, and, in certain cases, when special lenses are used, some astigmatism and presbyopia. RLE is for individuals aged between 45 and 75 years old.

LASIK MD is currently using the following:

Alcon’s ReStor Intraocular Lens (IOL) can substantially restore a patient’s ability to see both near and distant objects without the aid of reading glasses or bifocals. The ReSTOR IOL's innovative lens optics allows for a greater range of accommodation, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing dependence on reading glasses following RLE surgery – without compromising on distance vision. More people are candidates for Alcon’s ReSTOR than most other lenses. The ReSTOR lens is used for RLE, Cataract, and PRELEX patients.