1	Refractive Lens Exchange
2	How the eye works Light rays enter the eye through the clear cornea, pupil and lens. These light rays are focused directly onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina converts light rays into impulses, sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images. 70% of the eye's focusing power comes from the cornea and 30% from the lens.
3	Refractive errors Inability to see clearly is often caused by refractive error. Four types of refractive error: Myopia (nearsightedness) Hyperopia (farsightedness) Astigmatism Presbyopia
4	Refractive errors: myopia In myopia (nearsightedness), there is too much optical power in the eye The distance between the cornea and the retina may be too long or the power of the cornea and the lens may be too strong. Light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Close objects will look clear, but distant objects will appear blurred.
5	Refractive errors: hyperopia In hyperopia (farsightedness), there is too little optical power. The distance between the cornea and the retina may be too short. Light rays are focused behind the retina instead of on it. In adults (but not children), distant objects will look clear, but close objects will appear blurred.
6	Refractive errors: astigmatism In astigmatism, the cornea is curved unevenly—shaped more like a football than a basketball. Light passing through the uneven cornea is focused in two or more locations. Distant and close objects may appear blurry.
7	Refractive errors: presbyopia Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things up close, because the lens of the aging eye can no longer change shape. When we are young, the lens in our eyes is flexible and is able to change focus easily between near and far objects, like an autofocus on a camera. At around age 40, this flexibility begins to gradually decrease, making it more difficult to see objects up close, unless the eye has nearsightedness.
8	What is refractive surgery? A group of outpatient surgical procedures used to alter how your eye focuses light rays on the retina, thereby improving vision and reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses. In most cases, refractive surgery affects the shape of your cornea to redirect how light is focused onto the retina. Popular procedures include LASIK, LASEK, PRK and CK.
9	What is refractive surgery? Most refractive surgery is performed on the cornea and affects only the front of your eye, while the rest of your eye will change naturally as you age. In some cases, refractive surgery procedures don’t reshape the cornea; instead, the eye’s natural lens is either replaced or enhanced by an implantable lens that helps correct vision.
10	What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)? A non-laser procedure where the natural, non-cataractous, lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL). The cornea is not reshaped. Used to treat moderate to high degrees of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and patients who are not LASIK candidates.
11	How is the RLE procedure performed? The IOL is implanted in a surgical procedure and performed on an outpatient basis under local or topical anesthesia. Procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes. RLE procedure is exactly the same as routine cataract surgery.
12	How is the RLE procedure performed? In addition to a complete pre-operative eye exam, these measurements are performed to give the surgeon the necessary information to calculate the necessary power of the IOL: Keratometry: measurement of the form and curvature of the cornea. Retinal exam. The axial length of the eye from the cornea to the retina (A-scan). The depth of the anterior chamber.
13	How is the RLE procedure performed? After the eye is numbed with topical or local anesthesia, one to three small incisions are made close to the edge of the cornea. After the procedure, these incisions are usually “self-sealing,” requiring no stitches.
14	How is the RLE procedure performed? A tiny, high-frequency ultrasound instrument is inserted into the eye to break up center of the eye’s natural, crystalline lens. The lens is then gently vacuumed out through this same instrument.
15	How is the RLE procedure performed? An IOL is folded and inserted through the same incision that was made to extract the natural lens. The IOL is then unfolded and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens.
16	Considerations for the RLE procedure May be recommended for patients who have cataracts starting to form. May be recommended for patients with thin corneas who are otherwise not candidates for the LASIK procedure. May be recommended for patients with unusually high refractive error.
17	Considerations against the RLE procedure Patients with significant ocular disease of any type. Patients with a history of retinal detachment. Patients with any reason for increased risk of infection.
18	Risks and possible side effects of RLE surgery Over-correction or under-correction (with a possible need for a re-treatment). Infection. Increased floaters or retinal detachment. Dislocation of implant.
19	Is refractive surgery right for you? Advanced surgical procedures, including refractive lens exchange, are creating more opportunities for people who want to be less dependent on glasses or contacts. Surgery may not entirely eliminate your need for corrective lenses. Glasses/contacts may still be needed for activities such as fine or detailed work, reading and perhaps night driving.
20	Is refractive surgery right for you? A large part of the success of any refractive surgery depends on your understanding of the procedure and your expectations. Since refractive surgery is an elective procedure, you have the opportunity and responsibility to become fully informed about its risks and benefits. Your ophthalmologist will explain the specific technique, its benefits, as well as possible risks and side effects associated with your case.
21	Discuss options and questions with your ophthalmologist With the help of your ophthalmologist, it’s ultimately your responsibility to weigh the risks and side effects of a procedure with the benefits it has to offer. If you decide refractive surgery is right for you, you may join millions of people who have reduced their dependence on glasses or contacts.