Refractive Lens Exchange Philadelphia
Your Sight, Our Passion
Providing the highest quality refractive lens exchange experience for patients from Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties. Easy access from Horsham, Plymouth Meeting, Fort Washington, Collegeville, King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Dresher, Blue Bell, Doylestown, Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Devon, and Berwyn.
RLE at SVI
As we age, it is inevitable that we will develop presbyopia, or the inability to see up close without glasses. With a refractive lens exchange, it is possible to not only address the frustration of compromised vision but also rejuvenate your sight, freeing you from the need for glasses. At the Greater Philadelphia area's premier vision center, Shafer Vision Institute, we strive to give you exceptional vision using cutting-edge lenses and accurate laser techniques, all with the goal of revitalizing the clarity you enjoyed in your youth.
Dr. Shafer is passionate about refractive lens exchange surgery. As a thought leader in his field, he lectures nationally about intraocular lens technology and RLE techniques. In fact, Dr. Shafer implanted the most presbyopia-corrected lenses in the city of Philadelphia last year. Owing to his extensive experience and surgical skill, you can trust that your personalized RLE plan at SVI will be tailored specifically to your eyes, your lifestyle, and your unique requirements.
“There’s nothing I can’t see”
-W.L.
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Frequently Asked Questions for RLE
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Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, is a procedure in which the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors and provide clear vision.
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You may be an ideal candidate for RLE if you are over 40 years old, have a stable prescription, and are experiencing age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia or early cataracts. A thorough evaluation with our expert team will help determine if RLE or another vision correction procedure is best suited for your needs.
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At SVI, we provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing for RLE, which includes all pre-operative exams, the procedure itself, and post-operative care. Please contact our office for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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No, RLE is generally a painless procedure. We use anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes before the surgery, and most patients experience only mild pressure during the procedure. Discomfort after the surgery is minimal, and you can expect a relatively quick recovery.
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The RLE procedure typically takes around 15-20 minutes per eye. The actual lens replacement is completed in just a few minutes, with additional time needed for preparation and post-operative care.
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The recovery after RLE is usually quick. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within a few days, and the majority can return to their normal activities within a week. It may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize completely, as your eyes adjust to the new intraocular lenses.
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As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with RLE. However, RLE is considered to be a safe and well-studied procedure with a high success rate. During your consultation, our team will discuss the potential risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
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If RLE is not the best option for you, SVI offers a range of alternative vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and SMILE. Our team will help you find the most suitable solution for your unique needs.
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Most insurance plans do not cover RLE, as it is typically considered an elective procedure. However, you may be able to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover the cost of RLE. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for details on your coverage.
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The results of RLE are permanent for most patients. However, as you age, you may experience age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia or cataracts, which can affect your vision. If needed, additional procedures or treatments can be performed to maintain your clear vision.
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To schedule an RLE consultation at Shafer Vision Institute, simply contact our office by phone or through our website. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a convenient appointment time and provide you with any necessary information before your visit.
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Refractive Surgery at SVI
LASIK
The most commonly performed form of refractive surgery, LASIK involves creation of a flap on the cornea by a laser and then reshaping the cornea underneath. LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
PRK
For patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas, irregular shapes to the cornea, dryness, or high risk activities such as martial arts, PRK is a great option. This is the option Dr. Shafer chose for himself!
EVO ICL
For patients who want the absolute best visual quality while leaving the cornea unaltered, the EVO ICL is a fantastic solution. The implantable collamer lens (ICL) is implanted into the eye and rapidly corrects high levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism.
RLE
After age 40, the lens inside of the eye becomes dysfunctional. Refractive lens exchange is ideally suited for patients over the age of 40 who are looking to experience the full range of vision correction again.