| *Intended for a Canadian audience only |
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| *Intended for a Canadian audience only |
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Refractive Lens Exchange is a permanent vision correction solution involving replacement of your natural lens with an artificial lens implant. It builds on a technique that has been developed over decades to treat cataracts.
This surgery requires a fine degree of surgical skill, refined by performing cataract surgery. Dr. Demong has performed over 10,000 procedures since 1980. As one of the most respected lens surgeons in the province, he specializes in the micro-incision, no-stitch technique made possible with the combined technologies of ultrasound and foldable lenses. These innovations mean surgery can be performed quickly with little movement in the eye, minimizing the risk of complications and optimizing your visual outcome.
Prior to recommending lens surgery, Dr. Demong will conduct a series of diagnostic tests and an examination to determine which type of surgery is best for your eyes. Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Surgery present equal benefits for many but the differential recommendation will be based primarily upon what you want to achieve with your procedure. For instance, if you wish to correct reading vision as well as distance vision, Refractive Lens Exchange, using a multifocal lens, is the only option. If you are experiencing visual disturbances under dim lighting conditions because of pre-cataract changes in your natural lenses, Lens Surgery is also the best option. By removing your natural lenses, you eliminate the source of visual disturbance.
Since 40% of distance vision and almost 100% of the accommodative ability is derived from the natural lens of the eye, removal of the lens results in severe visual hardship unless an artificial lens implant replaces the natural lens. Artificial lens implants are supplied in a wide variety of strengths, to meet individual needs by correcting vision from within the eye. Once securely in place, the lens cannot be felt and requires no special care. The lens implant will remain in place for the rest of your life.
Refractive Lens Exchange, then, is a two step process:
Your surgical appointment will last about 2 ½ hours. Both eyes may be treated the same day or you may choose to separate the two procedures by a few days. Each procedure takes about 20 minutes. All Lens Surgery is performed after anesthetic gel has been instilled to numb sensation in the eyes, preventing discomfort at the time of surgery.
Following Refractive Lens Exchange, you can never develop a cataract as you age. This is because your natural lens, where a cataract develops, has been removed. However, the delicate membrane surrounding the artificial lens implant can cloud from protein deposits, resulting in poor quality vision. A device called a YAG laser is used to treat the cloudiness by creating a small opening in the clouded capsule. A YAG laser is performed in Dr. Demong's office and is a quick and painless procedure, restoring visual clarity within 2 - 3 days.
Your Refractive Lens Surgery will be performed at Dr. Demong's private surgical suite located adjacent to our office. A mild sedative and series of eye drops will be administered to prepare you for surgery. At the same time, our nurses will describe the anticipated process and answer your questions.
Anesthetic gel will be used to numb your eyes throughout treatment. Your eyelids will be gently parted with a spring-like brace to prevent blinking. You will not feel this, nor will you experience any discomfort throughout your treatment.
Then, Dr. Demong will cover you with surgical drapes, ensuring you have a supply of fresh air under the drapes. Dr. Demong will ask you to look at a bright light above you and he'll ask you to remain very still. Using a specialized surgical device, he'll remove the natural lens by eroding it with microjets of fluid. Then he'll position the artificial lens in the space the natural lens occupied. Upon completion, the incision will seal without a stitch and the eye will require no patch.
If both eyes will undergo the procedure, Dr. Demong will change gloves, instruments and drapes while the anesthetist instills anesthetic gel into the other eye. Then the entire procedure will be repeated. When you arise after surgery, you will notice an immediate improvement compared to when you entered the surgical room, but your best vision will not be enjoyed until much later in the evening or early the next morning when dilating drops have worn off.
You'll remain at our Centre for a brief period of recovery during which our nurses will review instructions for you to follow the first evening. They will also provide you with a brochure outlining those details. Our registered nurse on call will contact you after you've returned home to check on your condition, review instructions for medications and answer any questions at that time.
Now, let's examine the procedure in more detail: