Refractive Lens Exchange

Warsaw · Cracow ·Vienna · Zurich

Lens replacement allowing for the correction of presbyopia

RLE (refractive lens exchange) or CLE (clear lens extraction), also known as refractive lens exchange, involves removing the patient’s natural lens and replacing it with an advanced technological artificial lens that corrects refractive errors. This procedure is recommended for patients with severe hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, and in some cases also with myopia. CLE (clear lens extraction), as the name suggests, is a procedure involving the replacement of a clear lens with an artificial one.

If a person experiencing difficulties with presbyopia, myopia, or hyperopia undergoes refractive lens exchange surgery, the cataract threatening the eyes will not develop at all. The natural lens is replaced with an artificial one that is resistant to clouding.

Refractive lens exchange surgery can also be performed in patients who have previously undergone laser vision correction.

The success rate of lens replacement using this method (i.e., aspiration of the natural lens using a modern and highly precise phacoemulsifier) is very high, and the procedure itself is reliable. General surgical risks are naturally possible, and all patients are informed about these during a personal consultation with the physician.

During refractive lens exchange surgery, it is possible to use a lens individually selected to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Multifocal lenses (trifocal, multifocal, EDOF) – provide excellent visual acuity at distance, near (35-40 cm), and intermediate distances (60-90 cm)

Toric lenses monofocal – eliminate astigmatism, provide sharp vision at distance or near

Multifocal toric lenses – eliminate astigmatism, provide sharp vision at distance, near, and intermediate distances, thus offering the possibility of complete independence from corrective eyeglasses.

Multifocal lenses (trifocal, multifocal, EDOF) – provide excellent visual acuity at distance, near (35-40 cm), and intermediate distances (60-90 cm)

Toric lenses monofocal – eliminate astigmatism, provide sharp vision at distance or near

Instructions for patients after refractive lens exchange surgery:

Do not touch or rub the operated eye
For approx. 2 weeks avoid exertion and do no sports
Protect the operated eye from contaminants and UV rays

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Procedure Course

Lens replacement using the Clear Lens Extraction method is a quick, approximately 20-minute, uncomplicated procedure. It begins with the administration of local anesthesia to the patient in the form of eye drops.

The next stage involves making a small incision at the edge of the eye. This enables the dissolution and aspiration of the natural lens using a modern and highly precise instrument (OERTLI phacoemulsifier machine from a Swiss manufacturer).

Next, a new artificial lens is inserted, which is optimally matched to the patient’s eye and the required visual acuity. Through the use of appropriate lenses, lens replacement using the Clear Lens Extraction method also enables the correction of astigmatism.

After the procedure, the eye is protected with an eye shield from external environmental factors such as dirt and dust, so that the incision can heal properly over the next few days.

Preparation

Refractive lens exchange is an approximately 20-minute procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The patient’s eye is anesthetized through the application of special eye drops.

Incision

In the first phase of the procedure, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. This allows for the dissolution and aspiration of the natural lens.

Insertion of the artificial lens

In the next phase of the procedure, a new lens is implanted, which is optimally adapted to the patient’s eye and the desired final outcome. Refractive lens exchange also allows for the resolution of astigmatism problems.

Postoperative phase

After the procedure, the patient’s eye is protected with a special shield. This provides protection from external factors such as dirt and dust.

Preparation

Refractive lens exchange is an approximately 20-minute procedure performed on an outpatient basis. The patient’s eye is anesthetized through the application of special eye drops.

Incision

In the first phase of the procedure, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. This allows for the dissolution and aspiration of the natural lens.

Insertion of the artificial lens

Postoperative phase

After the procedure, the patient’s eye is protected with a special shield. This provides protection from external factors such as dirt and dust.

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WE ARE THE REFERENCE CENTER OF SCHWIND

SwissLaser is Schwind’s laser reference center. We are laser vision correction experts with international experience. We use modern, certified technologies that allow you to be free of glasses for good!

Our SwissLaser clinic has an intensive scientific collaboration with Schwind. Dr. Victor Derhartunian trains physicians around the world in laser vision correction using high-tech devices from SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions.

WE HAVE A EUROPEAN LEVEL OF TREATMENT

The creation of SwissLaser is Dr. Victor Derhartunian’s return to his Polish roots – bringing European knowledge, experience, quality and the famous Swiss precision to our country, so that every patient who needs vision correction receives everything in terms of technology, knowledge and care.

Our current goal is to advance knowledge in the field of refractive surgery, lenticular and laser surgery, so that Polish patients can receive quality treatment in this area.

Dr. Victor Derhartunian received the Patients’ Choice Award from 2012 to 2023.

Sign up for a no-obligation appointment and consultation to learn how we can improve your vision.

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