Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?!

Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?

I am considering having some eye surgery to correct my vision as my opthalmologist says a laser procedure would not work sufficiently because of my problems with both short and long sight.
He has suggested replacing the lenses in my eyes with artificial ones.
Has anyone had experience of, or knows anyone with experience of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?

Refractive Lens Exchange is one the newer procedures in ophthalmology. As was already mentioned, it is EXACTLY the same procedure as with removing cataracts and replacing them with intraocular lens impants (IOLs), only, there is no cataract and a totally different IOL is used.

In recent years, several companies (Alcon, AMO, Starr, etc) launched what are called "multi-focal lenses" which have several focusing zones which effectively allow the patient to focus on varying distances. This makes the patient spectacle free even for near vision (no reading glasses needed). I have had the oportunity of implanting these lenses on a few patients and they're quite happy with them. Several of my colleagues have implanted much more than i have and they claim that they work very well.

I personally think, these newer lenses are a lot better than any corneal laser procedure. I personally do not think that messing with the cornea is a good idea particularly if the problem is basically with the lens.

There are even newer lenses currently in development which are better than the "multi-focals." These lenses are called accommodating IOLs and they actually adjust their power as you focus near and far similar to the way natural lenses adjust.

Ask your ophthalmologist, I'm sure he/she will be glad to explain.