What is corrective lens replacement surgery?
Eye surgeon San Diego area
If you’re currently dependent on glasses or contacts to be able to see well, you may have considered having a laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK and PRK. These are popular procedures and they work well for many patients. However, there’s also another option that you may want to consider: corrective lens replacement.
What is corrective lens replacement? How does it differ from laser vision correction? How can you know which one is better for you?
How does corrective lens replacement work?
During a corrective lens replacement procedure, the natural lens of your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial
one, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. There is a range of different IOLs to choose from. Corrective lens replacement is also known as refractive lens exchange or clear lens exchange.
How is corrective lens replacement different from cataract surgery?
The procedure for corrective lens replacement is actually the same as for cataract surgery. The only difference is in the intention of the procedure. When a person has cataract surgery,
they’re experiencing clouding of the lens of the eye. This clouding can interfere with vision, and so the natural lens is removed and replaced in order to get rid of the cataract.
By contrast, with corrective lens replacement, the natural lens isn’t clouded, but it isn’t providing the patient with ideal vision. The intention of the procedure is to improve on the visual acuity of the natural lens. Otherwise, the procedure is the same.
It’s important to note that while most medical insurance policies will cover cataract surgery, they usually don’t cover corrective lens replacement. (Laser vision correction is generally also not covered.)
Corrective lens replacement vs. other options
If you’d like to improve your vision, you have a few other options besides corrective lens replacement. One option is to use glasses or contacts, but many people prefer to be free of the hassle of these options. Another option is laser vision correction surgery, which alters your cornea (the clear covering at the front of your eye) rather than the lens. Finally, you could choose a phakic IOL, which is implanted in front of your natural lens instead of replacing it.
The main advantage of corrective lens replacement is that it avoids the possibility of developing cataracts in the future. However, unlike a phakic IOL, it’s also not reversible. Additionally, it’s more invasive than laser vision correction.
If you have a high chance of developing cataracts in the future, then corrective lens replacement may be a good option for you. It may also be better at correcting problems with your near vision, although phakic IOLs are generally better for distance vision.
Eye surgeon San Diego area
Overall, the choice of which option to choose is highly personal. It’s best to talk over your options with an eye health professional, to help you understand all of your choices and what the risks and benefits would likely be for each one in your specific case. Please schedule an appointment with one of our specialist eye surgeons, so you can get personalized advice and recommendations. Simply contact our front desk to book your appointment.
