Some of this work dates back to early clinical trials involving LASIK and PRK before those procedures received FDA approval. Over the years, the scope of the research program has grown to include areas such as cataract surgery, glaucoma, corneal conditions, dry eye, and other forms of vision correction.

That broad research experience gives the surgical team exposure to more than one category of eye surgery. Instead of focusing exclusively on refractive procedures, the practice has also spent years studying technologies and treatments involving the natural lens, implanted lenses, and other parts of the eye that can affect surgical planning and visual outcomes.

Refractive lens exchange involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Because the implanted lens plays such an important role in the final visual result, choosing the appropriate lens and calculating the correct lens power are important parts of the planning process.

Vance Thompson Vision has been involved in research involving lens implant technology, including the Light Adjustable Lens. Experience with lens technologies through clinical research can give surgeons an opportunity to work closely with these products and study their performance in actual patients.

That type of experience can also contribute to the way a surgical team discusses lens choices with patients. Different lens options have different characteristics, and not every option is appropriate for every person. A surgeon still needs to consider the patient's eye health, prescription, lifestyle, visual priorities, and examination results before recommending a particular lens.

Research involving cataract and refractive procedures can also contribute to ongoing familiarity with developments in surgical planning and lens power calculations. These technical considerations are important during RLE because the implanted lens needs to be selected based on detailed measurements of the eye.