Refractive Lens Exchange

Pre-Operative Evaluation Resources

The refractive lens exchange evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation, which includes

• Anterior segment slit lamp examination
• Dilated posterior segment examination
• Dry eye testing
• Corneal topography and advanced corneal imaging to quantify irregularities present in the cornea
• Biometry Measurements to determine IOL power
• Posterior segment photography/OCT

This comprehensive approach aims to determine each patient's candidacy for IOL options and guide the discussion with the patient. Patients also receive
comprehensive education on RLE surgery risks/benefits/alternatives, education on post-operative recovery and expectations, and the expected cost. In addition to the above, the pre-operative evaluation includes an extensive discussion of the IOL options, for each patient to make the best IOL choice for their lifestyle.

Expectations

Expectations of patients undergoing refractive lens exchange surgery have evolved due to advances in vision-correcting technology. 

GreenMan - The Vision to Make the Decision

GreenMan was created to improve communication between doctors and patients, allowing patients to experience what they will see BEFORE having cataract surgery.

Watch a demonstration here.

Surgery

Refractive Lens Exchange surgery is a convenient, same-day procedure for patients and is safely performed by each of our surgeons in less than 10 minutes on average. Patients receive a pill under-the-tongue (where available) which helps them relax as well as topical anesthetic just prior to surgery. While intravenous (IV) sedation is available for patients who may need it, most feel comfortable without it and prefer to avoid the extra needlestick. Our pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care team are world-class and take the utmost care to ensure the safety and comfort of each patient.

Post-Op Exam

• Patients are seen at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery*
• Advanced Implant Highlight Chart can be found here.
• *Patients implanted with the Light Adjustable Lens will follow a postoperative schedule tailored to the patient. Light Adjustable Lens post op schedule can be found here.

The one-week post-operative exam includes measuring the uncorrected and best-corrected vision with manifest refraction, slit lamp exam, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Throughout the post-operative visits, patients are reminded that refractive cataract surgery is a process and may require additional steps (eg, laser refractive enhancement) to maximize their visual outcome.
 

Post-op Medications

Unless contraindicated due to allergy, all patients receive an intraoperative injection of antibiotic, steroid, and an NSAID at the end of their cataract surgery. Most patients are eligible for Drop-A-Day Cataract surgery, where they receive a single bottle with a combination of an antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID which they use once daily for 4 weeks. This eye drop may be picked up at our office prior to surgery, and this greatly simplifies the process for patients and providers. Otherwise, patients may elect the traditional post-operative regimen of all three drops in separate bottles. Regardless of the patient’s drop regimen choice, each patient is provided with a printable drop schedule as a visual aid for daily tracking.