Refractive Lens Exchange Portland

Vision Correction for Those Over 40

Growing older is a part of life, and along with that come changes in your vision. Fortunately, vision problems do not have to be permanent just because your body ages. Tersigni Vision offers the most vision correction options in Portland to help keep your eyes youthful and your vision clear. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), sometimes referred to as Custom Lens Replacement Surgery, is an attractive alternative to LASIK surgery that can help resolve age-related vision issues while also eliminating the need for cataract surgery in the future.

Lens Replacement Surgery

RLE is a type of lens replacement surgery that involves replacing the dysfunctional natural lens with a new one called an intraocular lens. Many types of lenses can be implanted depending on your eye health and lifestyle, and we can discuss your options during your evaluation. There are many benefits to Refractive Lens Exchange, but improved vision, freedom from glasses and contact lenses, and preventing the need for future cataract surgery are among the top.

How safe is Refractive Lens Exchange?

All surgeries have some degree of risk that should be discussed with your eye surgeon. That being said, refractive lens exchange has been proven to be safe and effective for many years and is one of the safest surgical procedures in the world.

Are Custom Lens Replacement Surgery and RLE surgery the same thing?

Yes. The terms Custom Lens Replacement and Refractive Lens Exchange mean the same thing. Your ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon will remove the natural lens in your eye and replace it with a new one called an intraocular lens. A multi-focal interocular lens (IOL) allows you to have improved near vision and far vision. Most custom lens replacement/RLE patients are able to eliminate or reduce their dependence on reading glasses.

Is Refractive Lens Exchange permanent?

Refractive Lens Exchange is a permanent vision correction solution with lifelong results. The eye’s natural lens is replaced with a specially designed intraocular lens that cannot grow or change. As long as your eye stays healthy, we expect the vision to stay stable long term.

Who is a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?

RLE can be an excellent option for patients experiencing Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome, loss of reading vision, or early signs of cataracts. The best way to find out you are a candidate is by scheduling Tersigni Vision Advanced Ocular Analysis. Dr. Tersigni will provide an in-depth evaluation of your eyes and help you determine if RLE is right for you.

How much does RLE surgery cost in Portland? 

The cost of RLE surgery is less than what the average person would spend on glasses, contact lenses, solution, and related exams over a lifetime. And that’s not even considering the other “costs” such as worrying about having enough contacts for a trip, time spent looking for or replacing lost glasses, or having to deal with contact lens-related infections. With glasses and contacts, you are renting your vision over time, and you never have to worry about developing cataracts. With RLE, you get to own your vision. Use our vision correction calculator to see for yourself how affordable RLE can be.” 

Is Refractive Lens Exchange painful?

The Refractive Lens Exchange surgical procedure is not painful. Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eyes prior to RLE surgery, and the technology used today provides a quick, pain-free experience for patients. Some mild discomfort and blurry vision may occur immediately after surgery and last for up to 24 hours.

What can I expect After RLE Surgery?

Most patients see immediate vision improvement after RLE surgery. The first 24 hours after surgery, patients may experience minimal discomfort and blurry vision while their eyes heal and adjust. Vision continues to improve after the first 24 hours, and patients report clearer vision over time. Patients typically return to work and other normal activities the day after surgery.

How long is recovery from Lens Replacement?

Each person is unique and heals at their own speed, but usually, patients are seeing well by the next day and many patients feel able to go to work.

Does Medicare cover Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is considered by insurance companies to be an elective procedure and insurance does not cover the cost of RLE. We do have convenient financing options available to assist you.

Dr. Steven Tersigni is a refractive surgeon offering LASIK and five LASIK alternatives in the Portland, Oregon area. In addition to providing customized care to each of his patients, Dr. Tersigni is an educator and researcher He obtained both his medical degree and a master’s degree in public health from Tulane University. He has been published in national journals and has been involved in 10 U.S. FDA trials.