Options Beyond LASIK

Other Vision Correction Options

Some people have prescriptions that are too large or eye conditions that prevent them from having LASIK. Depending on your individual visual situation, Rocky Mountain Ophthalmology will recommend other vision correction procedures.  One of these procedures is Refractive Lens Exchange. 

Refractive Lens Exchange

For patients with very high levels of nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), and for people who have the early onset of cataracts, may appreciate the dual advantage of a refractive lens exchange: not only will it correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it also prevents any future need for cataract surgery.

Unlike laser vision correction, which alters the shape of the cornea, refractive lens exchange changes the focusing power of the lens within the eye. During refractive lens exchange, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced by a lens implant, which has been selected to compensate for the eye's refractive problems. In effect, the lens implant acts like a permanent lens within the eye, with newer lens designs offering both distance and reading vision.

This procedure is ideal for patients in their 50s and above, and especially successful for patients who are struggling with their reading vision.

The Procedure

Refractive Lens Exchange is technically the same procedure as cataract surgery, where the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an advanced artificial intraocular lens. Patients should take comfort in knowing that this is the most commonly performed, and successful, medical procedure in the U.S. It only takes about 15 minutes, and recovery only a couple of days!

If this procedure is appropirate for you, it will be discussed with you in detail during your examination and consultation.