Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure where the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). It is similar to cataract surgery but is performed in patients who do not yet have cataracts. RLE can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, offering a permanent solution to vision problems. It is often recommended for individuals over 50 who wish to greatly reduce or eliminate glasses for distance and near vision. Dr. Batchelet will carefully evaluate your eyes and look at other factors to make sure this is a safe and effective option for you.
LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both types of laser eye surgery designed to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
In LASIK surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, to improve how light is focused on the retina. A small flap is created in the cornea, and the laser reshapes the tissue beneath it. The flap is then replaced, allowing for quick healing. LASIK is known for a fast recovery and minimal discomfort.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Take Our Cataract LASIK Self-Test and Find out!
PRK
PRK is like LASIK but does not involve creating a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is gently removed, and the laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. The outer layer grows back naturally during healing. PRK generally has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK, with some discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Both procedures offer long-term vision improvement and are safe options for many people seeking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
The choice between LASIK and PRK depends on factors such as the shape and thickness of your cornea and your lifestyle needs. Not every patient is eligible for these procedures. Dr. Batchelet will thoroughly examine your eyes and evaluate your past eye and health history before offering the best and safest option for you. He has performed thousands of these and other laser procedures and has the experience of delivering the results you want while minimizing risk.
EVO + Implantable Collamer Lens
EVO+ ICL surgery refers to the implantation of an EVO+ Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), a procedure designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The EVO+ is a type of lens that is surgically implanted inside the eye to improve vision, offering an alternative to LASIK or other laser eye surgeries.
How the Surgery Works
Lens Implantation
During the procedure, a small incision is made in the eye, and the EVO+ ICL lens is inserted behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural lens. The ICL is made of a biocompatible material called Collamer, which is highly safe and stable within the eye. Most of the time both eyes are completed on the same day in a process called bilateral sequential surgery.
No Need for Corneal Reshaping: Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, the ICL works by providing a permanent, additional lens to improve focus, allowing patients to achieve clearer vision without permanently altering the eye’s structure.
Advantages of EVO+ ICL
Reversibility
Unlike LASIK, the EVO+ ICL is removable if necessary.
High-Quality Vision
The ICL provides excellent visual outcomes, including better contrast sensitivity and less dryness compared to LASIK.
Suitable for a Wide Range of Patients
It can be a good option for people who have thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eye issues that make them unsuitable for laser surgery.
Recovery and Risks
Quick Recovery
Most patients experience improved vision within a few days to weeks.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, increased intraocular pressure, or lens displacement, but complications are rare.
EVO+ ICL surgery offers a safe, effective, and reversible alternative to LASIK for vision correction, particularly for people with high prescriptions who have been turned down for corneal-based surgeries like LASIK and PRK.