Refractive Lensectomy
Refractive Lens Exchange
PRELEX

Refractive Lensectomy is also known as Refractive Lens Exchange and when used in conjunction with a presbyopia correcting intra-ocular lens (IOL) such as the second generation ReZoom Multifocal IOL, it is called PRELEX.

As we age, the lens inside our eye loses its ability to focus both near and far. Until recently, most vision correction procedures have attempted to change the focusing power of the cornea. Refractive lensectomy and Refractive Lens Exchange, on the other hand, correct nearsightedness or farsightedness by replacing the eye's natural lens with one of appropriate focusing power that is multifocal. Excellent distant vision is achieved with fixed focus IOLs but patients who want a full range of vision without glasses or contacts - at near, intermediate, and distance, we recommend the PRELEX procedure with the ReZoom Multifocal IOL.

Refractive lensectomy is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. These surgical techniques have evolved and improved dramatically over the last 35 years. Cataract surgery is now the most common and statistically successful surgical procedure performed in medicine today.

The main difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy is that cataract surgery is primarily performed to remove a patient's cataract that is obstructing and clouding their vision, while refractive lensectomy is performed to reduce a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Refractive lensectomy can be combined with other procedures that treat astigmatism such as limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) in the cornea. 

Refractive Lensectomy is for those who:

• want to be less dependened on glasses or contact lenses for far, intermediate, and near vision
• want to be able to use both eyes together at all distances

Cataracts are a part of the normal aging process and if a person lives long enough chances are they will develop cataracts. People who have refractive lensectomy will never need cataract surgery in the future, no matter how long they live.

What to expect on surgery day:

The refractive lensectomy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Only one eye will be treated at a time. After the eye is completely numbed with topical or local anesthesia, the eye's natural lens will be gently vacuumed out through a tiny incision, about one eighth of an inch wide.

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Next, the new, intra-ocular lens will be folded and inserted through the same micro-incision. It will then be unfolded and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens. This incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.

If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions.

Dr. Knolle may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism.

You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have refractive lensectomy is an important one that only you can make. The goal of refractive lensectomy is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

Serious complications with refractive lensectomy are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with refractive lensectomy.

After a thorough eye exam, you and our doctors will determine if refractive lensectomy is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Alternatives to refractive lensectomy

Refractive lensectomy is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans.  It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.