Refractive Lensectomy
Refractive Lensectomy (RL) is the removal of the natural crystalline lens and replacement with a prosthetic lens. RL is a procedure appropriate for those who are not candidates for LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery.
Individuals who are over 45 years of age and require reading glasses or bifocals are good candidates, as the accommodating (near focusing) properties of the lens implant is similar to their natural lens. RL does not, however, eliminate the need for glasses entirely. Most individuals will require reading glasses for seeing items up close (i.e., reading the newspaper, computer screens, etc.).
“Monovision” may allow candidates to avoid reading glasses as one eye is focused for distance and the fellow eye for near. Your local eye care physician can best determine your ability to adapt to “monovision” pre-operatively with a contact lens trial.
Finally, emerging implant technology (Crystalens) allows for distance and some near viewing with a reduced dependency on glasses. This lens is less restrictive than standard implants.
In 1988, Commonwealth Eye Surgery became the first practice in Kentucky to provide refractive lensectomies on a routine basis.
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