Refractive Lens Exchange

In Presbyopia, the natural aging of the eye leads to a loss of ability to focus on near objects. Other “refractive errors” such as Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism also limit the ability of a patient to see without glasses.  Now, with the help of the most modern surgical techniques, all of these problems can be solved! Refractive Lens Exchange, or ReLex, may be used to replace the natural lens of the eye with one that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses!

Dr. William Goldstein employs only the most modern techniques for ReLex surgery. He has been using a ‘needle-free, pain-free, stitch-free and patch-free’ method since 1996. The use of ‘topical anesthetic’ means drops and gels are used to apply the numbing medication. No needles are used, making surgery safer while maintaining a ‘pain-free’ situation. Dr. Goldstein also uses a self-sealing incision which is less than 1/8th inch long, so no stitches are needed. And since the topical anesthetic does not affect the movement of the eye or eyelids, no patches are needed either!

During ReLex surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed. A membrane is left behind to act as a ‘pocket’ for an artificial lens implant. Each lens implant is carefully selected by Dr. Goldstein in an effort to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. To maximize the patients’ freedom from glasses, Dr. Goldstein prefers to use the Crystalens® or the Tecnis multifocal lens implants for full focus. Learn more about these innovative lens implants!

Once surgery is completed, the patient spends a short time in the post op area, and is discharged home.  By the next day, patients have generally recovered most of their vision! Antibiotic and steroid drops are used to minimize the risk of infection and swelling for a period of time after surgery.