BRANDED CONTENT Refractive Lens Exchange corrects vision and prevents cataracts with one 10-minute procedure. But which lens is right for you? The experienced vision correction specialists at Modern Vision Centers in West Des Moines will help you make the best decision for your eyes. “With the 10- minute Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure, we can fix patients’ distance vision, near vision, astigmatism, and prevent them from ever needing cataract surgery—all at once,” says Drew Dickson, MD, PCEO, of West Des Moines’ Modern Vision Centers. “The effects of this are permanent, making RLE something patients typically benefit from for multiple decades.” RLE, also known as Custom Lens Replacement, is a vision correction procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens. And because the natural lens is removed before it has a chance to turn cloudy and develop into a cataract, an additional surgery later in life is avoided. “A cataract is what we call the natural lens of the eye when it becomes cloudy and discolored. On average, people need cataract surgery in their late 60s to early 70s,” Dickson explains. “With RLE, we intervene earlier to remove the natural lens of the eye before it becomes a cataract and fix patients’ vision at the same time.” That early intervention, however, is best for patients over the age of 50, Dickson says, because their natural lenses often have deteriorated to the point they don’t see well up close anymore. “If patients need to wear readers, bifocals, progressive glasses, or special contacts to help them see well up close,” he says, “that means their natural lenses aren’t working properly, and they may be great candidates for RLE to fix their vision.” “With the 10-minute Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure, we can fix patients’ distance vision, near vision, astigmatism, and prevent them from ever needing cataract surgery—all at once,” says Drew Dickson, MD, PCEO, of West Des Moines’ Modern Vision Centers. During the 10- to 15-minute procedure, the eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops and patients may choose to have a mild sedative. A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea and the natural lens is carefully broken up using advanced laser and ultrasound technology and then removed. A customized artificial lens is then inserted in its place, restoring clear vision. The incision is self-sealing and does not require stitches. “Recovery from RLE is typically quick, with most patients seeing at a very functional level and returning to work or other normal activities within the first day or two following surgery,” Dickson says, “Patients notice their clarity of vision improves a little bit each day over the first few days until eventually the vision is crisp and clear.” There are a number of options when it comes to the implanted lens. “Some RLE patients are better candidates for monofocal, toric, extended depth of focus (EDOF), pinhole, or other types of lenses,” the surgeon says. In his own practice at Modern Vision Centers, Dickson says two types of lenses are most commonly the best fit for patients: trifocal and light-adjustable (LAL). “The trifocal lens works by focusing some light for distance vision, for activities like driving or watching a sporting event; some light intermediate vision, for activities like working on a computer or looking at a dashboard; and some light for near vision, for activities like reading or looking at a cellphone,” he says. “The LAL is the most customizable option of any lens available.” If you’re ready for life beyond readers and bifocals, schedule an EyeAnalysis with Modern Vision Centers in West Des Moines to see if RLE can help you see more of what’s next. > CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MODERN VISION CENTERS 6880 EP True Pkwy Suite 110 | West Des Moines, IA | www.mvcvision.com ...read more read less