What is refractive lensectomy?
Refractive lensectomy is a surgical procedure developed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) by replacing the eye's natural lens. It uses the same type of surgical techniques as cataract surgery, one of the safest types of surgery performed in the U.S. today.
What is the difference between refractive lensectomy and LASIK?
LASIK and other refractive techniques including PRK achieve their results by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear dome-shaped covering of the eye, to alter the way light reaches the light-sensitive retina at the back of your eye. Refractive lensectomy leaves the cornea intact and instead replaces the clear lens located behind your iris (the colored portion of your eye) with a lens developed to provide the clearest vision possible.
What is a clear lens exchange?
Clear lens exchange is another term for refractive lensectomy.
How is refractive lensectomy performed?
The refractive lensectomy procedure is performed in the same way as cataract surgery, using a tiny incision to remove the eye's natural lens and replace it with the artificial lens, or IOL. The procedure takes about a half hour or less to perform, requires no stitches, resulting in very minimal postoperative discomfort. Vision improvement is also very quick.
Is refractive lensectomy better than LASIK?
Both procedures offer benefits to different groups of patients. Refractive lensectomy is generally a very good choice for people who have severe myopia or hyperopia who may not be able to achieve adequate vision correction with LASIK or other types of refractive procedures. Dr. Cohen has been performing vision-correcting surgeries for many years. During your evaluation and consultation, he will review all your available treatments options so you weigh the benefits of each and make the decision that is most suited to your vision needs and expectations.
