Five Lens Options For Refractive Lens Exchange

man speaking with doctor

While laser correction procedures, such as LASIK, remain incredibly popular, it is not always the best option for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a safe and effective surgery for those who are not necessarily candidates for laser treatments.

RLE is a procedure that removes your natural eye lens and switches it out with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Premium lenses can improve common refractive errors, such as farsightedness and nearsightedness. Contact the experts at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to learn which IOLs are right for your needs. Dr. Young H. Choi can strengthen your vision at his office near Birmingham, AL.

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Lens replacement surgery is actually similar to cataract surgery, without the cataracts. The clear lens in your eye is replaced with an artificial lens that allows you to see better than ever before. Dr. Choi performs Refractive Lens Exchange without invasive measures, stitches, or even general anesthesia. It is usually recommended if your corneas are too thin for procedures like LASIK. Conditions RLE can treat include:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)

  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)

  • Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)

1. Toric IOLs

Astigmatism is a refractive error in which the eye does not focus light properly on the retina. This results in eye strain and blurred vision at any distance. If you have astigmatism, a Toric IOL can restore clarity to your eyesight.

2. Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs address nearsightedness and farsightedness at the same time without glasses. This results in great visual acuity up close and far away. Different zones on the lenses are set to different prescription powers.

3. Monofocal IOLs

Set to one focusing distance, monofocal IOLs are the most common type of artificial lens used in lens replacement surgery. We may select monofocal IOLs for near focus, mid-distance focus, or distant focus.

4. Trifocal IOLs

These advanced lenses offer clear vision at middle distances, in addition to near and far distances. Trifocal lenses allow patients to switch between all three distances, which is something other lenses cannot achieve.

5. Trifocal Toric IOLs

A premium trifocal Toric IOL offers patients with astigmatism near, middle, and distance acuity. The majority of Birmingham, AL patients at our clinic explain that their vision quality is excellent during their follow-up appointments.

Which artificial lens is right for you?

Each IOL has been designed with a specific purpose in mind. Prior to Refractive Lens Exchange, Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center will speak without you about which artificial lens is right for you. We begin with a comprehensive examination while learning about your health and lifestyle choices. You also have the opportunity to get answers to your questions about lens replacement surgery. Our team is dedicated to giving you custom options in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Lens replacement surgery near Birmingham

Refractive Lens Exchange is a great long-term solution for vision correction for men and women in the Birmingham, AL area. Countless procedures are performed in the U.S. each year, making it a trusted operation with many qualified professionals. At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we offer a variety of solutions to help people experience a more natural range of vision without glasses or contact lenses. Contact Dr. Young H. Choi to learn about your options for IOLs.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.