How Refractive Lens Exchange Works to Correct Common Vision Problems

Wearing contact lenses and prescription eyeglasses for years on end can become a nuisance. Whether you’re tired of forgetting your contact lens case when you leave for vacation or struggle with glasses that slip or fog over, refractive lens exchange is one way to correct your vision problems and reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear. The Laser Eye Center™ in Southern California offers refractive lens exchange with premium intraocular lens implants (IOLs).

How Does Refractive Lens Exchange Work?

Refractive lens exchange works to correct refractive errors using IOLs customized to your vision problems. Depending on the IOL type, these lens implants can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even presbyopia. Refractive lens exchange is often an option for those who don’t qualify for LASIK and is tailored to your visual needs. 

How is Refractive Lens Exchange Different than Cataract Surgery? 

The short answer is that refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery are virtually the same. The only difference between these procedures is that the natural eye lens is clear when removed during refractive lens exchange instead of clouded by a cataract. Refractive lens exchange is performed solely to improve your vision and free you from contact lenses and prescription eyeglasses. 

One of our experienced eye surgeons removes your clear eye lens and replaces it with an IOL of your choosing during the procedure. People who have refractive lens exchange eliminate the future risk of cataracts because the natural lens is already removed and therefore can’t become clouded and cause vision loss. 

Types of Intraocular Lens Implants for Refractive Lens Exchange

We offer a variety of IOLs to improve your vision, including multifocal and trifocal lens implants that provide crisp eyesight at several focal points. The right IOL type for you depends on your refractive errors and lifestyle. PanOptix® is one of our premium lenses and the first of its kind. This trifocal IOL is the only IOL that can eliminate your need for reading glasses by providing seamless clear vision for near, intermediate and distant focal points. Multifocal intraocular lens implants correct for close and distance vision. Toric variations of these premium lens implants are available to address astigmatism. 

The Laser Eye Center™ uses CATALYS® Precision Laser System and PanOptix™ IOL to free you from corrective eyewear for life. 

Learn More About Refractive Lens Exchange 

If you’re interested in refractive lens exchange, contact our eye doctors at The Laser Eye Center™ today by calling (800) 805-2737.