There’s great news for presbyopic patients over the age of 50, who may be experiencing early cataracts, or simply want to improve both reading and distance vision!
Presbyopia and cataracts are degenerative issues in the natural lens of the eye that happen most often as people age. Presbyopia is farsightedness caused by the stiffening of the lens which begins effecting sight between 40 and 50 years old, while cataracts are the clouding of the lens which most often begins after 60 years of age.
If you fall into one these categories, this may just be the procedure you’ve been waiting for. Refractive Laser Lens Exchange (RLE) follows the same procedure as Laser-assisted cataract surgery, but also has benefits to those who may not be suffering from cataracts.
Versus traditional cataract surgery, which is performed manually with a blade, the laser-assisted procedure allows for many of the steps to be automated using incredible amounts of data. This leads to a new level of precision and accuracy never previously seen in this procedure while simultaneously improving visual outcomes.
What makes RLE different? RLE changes the focusing power of the eye by removing the natural lens and implanting a better one. This lens can improve distance, reading, or both (by using a multi-focal intra-ocular lens). Whereas laser vision correction works by reshaping the cornea, RLE works by replacing your natural lens with a corrective lens implant – making it ideal for cataracts, but also for those whose natural lens may have changed over time and has trouble focusing.
Dr. Wiens is the only doctor in Winnipeg using the Catalys Laser™ for his cataract procedures–removing the necessity for using blades.
The Procedure
What should you expect when coming in for Refractive Laser Lens Exchange? We asked Dr. Wiens and he provided a step-by-step walk through of what happens during the surgery.
- The surgeon uses the Catalys™ Laser, under guidance of 3D scan of the eye (link to winnipeglasercataractsurgery.ca page), and performs three important procedures, to remove the natural lens of your eye.
- A multifocal intraocular lens is folded and inserted through the micro-incision into the capsular bag.
- You will be brought to the recovery room where you will rest before being discharged and your eye will need to wear a patch overnight until you come into the office the next day for your first follow up.
- You will be given drops to use for several weeks after the procedure. Most patients can return to regular activities within a few days, but there are some restrictions for a few weeks.
With all this information in mind, if you think this surgery is right for you and are ready to get rid of those reading glasses, book your free assessment now so we can determine if you’re a safe candidate for surgery.