For the last part of our Vision Correction Frequently Asked Questions series, we want to address cataract vision correction. We have received a few questions pertaining to cataracts and related cataract surgeries. One question, “What is RLE and how will it help my cataracts?” comes across Dr. Arrowsmith’s desk more frequently now.

According to The University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology (2004), 5,500,000 individuals suffer from cataracts with 400,000 new cases each year. Phacoemulsification for Cataract Surgery or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with Advanced Lens Implants offers options for correcting cataracts. Phacoemulsification (Phaco=lens, emulsify=to liquefy) is used in removal of a cataract, which is a clouded natural lens. With RLE it can also be used to remove a clear natural lens – not yet developed into a cataract – simply to correct vision as an alternative to Bladeless LASIK or Phakic IOL’s.

With Phacoemulsification, an instrument uses ultrasound (like a laser, but using concentrated sound waves instead of light waves) to delicately liquefy and remove the center of the eye’s natural lens, leaving a clear, cellophane-like outer layer of the lens intact. Then, an Aphakic IOL (an IOL used after removal of the eye’s natural lens) is placed inside the cellophane-like layer replacing the central, vision-correcting part of the natural lens. Aphakic IOL’s are very advanced and will correct Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism (Toric IOL’s) and Presbyopia (difficulty with reading vision) just like LASIK. New types of Aphakic IOL’s can correct both distance and near vision at the same time. Often referred to as Presbyopia Correcting IOL’s or Premium IOL’s (PIOL’s), these include the Crystalens, ReSTOR Lens and the ReZoom Lens and others.

Patients are offered lenses that best meet their needs and their lifestyle, and together we will talk about and choose the right lens for you.