subject: How Refractive Lens Exchange Can Improve Lives [print this page] If you have not heard about refractive lens exchange in the past, it is actually the procedure that a surgeon performs where the eye lens is taken out and replaced with an artificial lens. The new lens would be tailored to fit the needs of the patient. For example, if the patient is short or nearsighted prior to the procedure, this will be corrected. Previously, people who suffered from this condition were left with no other choice but to live with it or wear eyeglasses to correct it. Now this type of eye surgery can make a lot of difference to the eyesight of many people. However, it is not suitable for every eye condition. For example, blepharospasm is caused by twitching muscles around the eye and so a lens exchange would not resolve the issue.
People who want to correct their imperfect vision can consult with an experienced and reputable eye surgeon to find out if this procedure is appropriate for them. The patient simply needs to provide information such as their medical history, his or her age, whatever medication the patient is taking and even the holistic condition of the eye at present. The surgeon will carry out a detailed examination and should be able to answer any questions, explain any risks, and detail the benefits.
Correcting Cataracts
This procedure is also a good solution for cataracts. Cataracts happen when the lens hardens, making the vision cloudy and in turn giving the person poor eyesight. The elderly are the most common set of people who experience this and having a lens exchange can give them a chance to enjoy life with a better vision. The advantage of going through this procedure is that anyone can experience the results immediately. If the eyesight is poor because of a lens that degenerated due to aging, replacing the lens can bring the eyesight back to normal right away. In addition, a new artificial lens will not deteriorate in a similar way.
Restoring the Eyesight
Keeping the eyes in perfect shape is a must because having poor eyesight can make life very difficult for a person suffering from it. Regular checkups are necessary, but it is still inevitable for some people to lose their eyesight even with proper care. If an individual loses eyesight because of a lens problem, it is possible that sight may be restored once the lens is replaced, eliminating the issue right away. Best of all, this procedure is very quick, almost painless, and provides instant results.
Cost of Refractive Lens Exchange
The price of undergoing this procedure can vary based on several factors. The costs usually include the fees for the extensive assessment that an expert will perform. There are several tests that need to be done first before anyone undergoes the procedure and this usually would be charged to the patient. This includes assessing the clarity of eyesight, detecting other conditions such as astigmatism, far sightedness, near sightedness to name a few. Patients are also tested to find out the ability of the eyes to focus and move together. Doctors will assess the overall health of the eye and further tests may be done depending on the initial results.
Of course the patient needs to take into consideration the surgeon fees, location of the eye clinic, cost of the procedure and the lens, as well as the drops or medicines required. Private medical insurance may not cover all the costs of this procedure so it is important to know the details before signing up for it. Still, it can help to check with the insurance company as they might cover the cost of the several tests and assessments. It is also good to research for different surgeons and eye clinics in order to get the best package.
After undergoing the procedure, it can be easier for people to drive a car, read a book, watch a movie, study or learn a new skill, start a new hobby and even go on adventurous vacations. The cost of undergoing refractive lens exchange can certainly outweigh the benefits that a person can enjoy. Having eye surgery is a serious and life changing decision and it can help a person enjoy life more regardless of their age. The eye conditions we have covered, such as cataracts, near sightedness, far sightedness and so on, should become a thing of the past with the advent of refractive lens exchange. Other eye issues, such as blepharospasm, may be treated with medication.
