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INTRODUCTION
A Refractive Lens Exchange procedure like LASIK is used to
correct focusing errors of the eye (i.e. nearsightedness, farsightedness), but
is intended for patients for whom LASIK is not a viable alternative.
HOW
THE EYE FUNCTIONS
The eye functions much like a camera. In the same way that a camera utilizes a lens to focus light onto film in order to produce a picture, our eyes utilize lenses to focus light onto the film of the eye called the retina. The retina then sends the light images to the brain for processing through the optic nerve. The end result of this intricate processing of light rays is eyesight.
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Normal Eye |
Unlike a camera, however, the
human eye uses two lenses working together to focus light onto the retina. One
of the lenses, the cornea, is located on the outside of the eye. The other lens, the crystalline lens, is
located on the inside of the eye. The
cornea is the primary lens of the eye, and does 80% of the focusing of light
onto the retina. The crystalline or internal lens
does the remaining 20% of the focusing of light.
In order to see clearly, light has
to come into sharp focus on the retina (the film of the eye).
Nearsightedness is a condition in which light entering the eye comes into focus in front of the retina
instead of on the retina. Nearsighted
individuals see well up close, but see poorly at distance without corrective
lenses.
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Nearsighted |
Farsightedness on the other hand
is a condition in which light entering the eye comes into focus behind the retina instead of on
the retina. Farsighted individuals see poorly
at distance, and up close without corrective lenses.
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Farsighted |
Currently, a Refractive Lens
Exchange procedure is considered when an individual has a level of
nearsightedness or farsightedness that exceeds the limit of what can be treated
with LASIK.
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE PROCEDURE
A Refractive Lens Exchange
procedure essentially utilizes the same surgical techniques utilized to perform cataract surgery. Instead of performing
surgery on the outer lens of the eye, the cornea, as is done in LASIK, the
refractive lens exchange is performed on the inner lens of the eye like in cataract surgery.
THE REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE PROCEDURE STEPS
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Step
1:
The pouch in which the eye’s natural internal lens is contained
is first opened through a very small incision. |
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Step
2:
The internal lens is then removed using an ultrasonic
probe through a very small incision. |
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3:
Once the internal lens is removed, it is replaced with
an artificial lens made of a special plastic material of the appropriate
focusing power to correct for very high amounts of nearsightedness or
farsightedness. |
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At the Flowers Vision Institute all patients undergoing Refractive Lens Exchange receive an extensive
preoperative evaluation to insure surgical success. Dr. Charles Flowers is an experienced
refractive surgeon, who utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques and
technology to provide his patients with excellent visual outcomes. Currently, Dr. Flowers performs Refractive
Lens Exchange procedures using topical (“eye – drop”) anesthesia and
self-sealing incisions, and the entire procedure is completed in about 15 to 20
minutes, and visual recovery is rapid. Call the Flowers Vision Institute today if you have been told
that the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness you have is outside the
range for LASIK.
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