Refractive lens exchange involves more than the day of surgery. The process begins with a detailed evaluation, continues through personalized lens planning and the procedure itself, and includes several appointments while your eyes heal. Understanding each stage can help you know what to expect and make arrangements for work, transportation, and recovery. Here is what the RLE process can look like before and after treatment at Vance Thompson Vision in West Fargo.
Your first appointment is designed to determine whether RLE is appropriate for your eyes and what type of lens may provide the vision you want. The evaluation includes several measurements and examinations that give your care team a detailed picture of your eye health.
Measurements may include the shape and curvature of your cornea, the length of your eye, the condition of your natural lens, and the health of your retina. Your eyes are also checked for conditions such as dry eye that could affect measurements or recovery.
Your vision goals are an important part of this appointment as well. Tell your care team how you use your eyes throughout a normal day, whether you spend significant time reading, how often you drive at night, and how important reducing your dependence on glasses is to you. These details can help guide the discussion about your lens options.
Because your eyes may be dilated during the evaluation, it is a good idea to arrange transportation home. Your vision may remain blurry or sensitive to light for several hours afterward.
Contact Details
Vance Thompson Vision
354 23rd Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078
(701) 566-5390
Website: https://www.vancethompsonvision.com/locations/fargo/
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/view/vancethompsonvision/location/rle-west-fargo
Google Folder: https://mgyb.co/s/HJSSD
Precise measurements are essential when determining the appropriate lens power for RLE. If you wear contact lenses, your care team will give you instructions about when to stop wearing them before certain measurements. Contact lenses can temporarily affect the shape of the cornea, which can influence the accuracy of the results.
The required break depends on the type of contacts you wear and how your eyes respond. Soft contact lens users may need to stop wearing their lenses for several days or longer, while people who wear rigid lenses may need a more extended break. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your eyes.
Once the measurements have been completed, your surgeon can use the results to determine the appropriate lens power and discuss the available lens designs. Your lifestyle, visual priorities, and individual eye characteristics all play a role in this decision.
In some cases, measurements may need to be checked again if the results are not consistent. Taking additional measurements can help the surgical team feel confident that the final lens selection is based on reliable information.
On surgery day, you will first go through several preparation steps before entering the procedure area. Dilating and numbing drops are used to prepare the eye, and medication may be available to help you remain comfortable and relaxed.
The actual RLE procedure is relatively short and generally takes around 15 minutes. You remain awake, but numbing medication prevents you from feeling the surgical work. You may notice lights, shadows, or movement during the procedure without being able to see the instruments being used.
After the procedure, you spend a short period recovering while the team checks your eye. Once you are ready to leave, you will receive instructions for caring for your eye at home, including the use of prescribed drops and an eye shield.
Do not plan a busy schedule for the remainder of the day. Your vision may initially appear hazy, although many patients notice improvement by the following morning. Arrange for someone to drive you home and consider having assistance available if you need help during the first few hours after surgery.
The second eye is commonly treated about one to two weeks after the first, although your individual schedule will depend on your surgeon's recommendations.
Your postoperative appointments allow the care team to monitor healing and make sure your eyes are responding as expected. A typical schedule includes a visit the day after surgery, another around one week later, and additional appointments at approximately one month and three to six months.
The first follow-up focuses on the early condition of the eye. Your surgeon may check eye pressure, examine the healing eye, and make sure the implanted lens is positioned properly.
Later appointments provide an opportunity to monitor inflammation, healing, and changes in your vision. As recovery progresses, your eye drop schedule may be adjusted or reduced.
The three to six month visit is generally focused on confirming that your vision has reached a stable point. If you need glasses for a particular activity, this may also be an appropriate time to determine a final prescription.
Patients who choose a Light Adjustable Lens have a different follow-up process because additional appointments are required for the light treatments and final lens lock-in. These visits are an important part of completing the treatment plan.