Howerton Eye Clinic Blog

Refractive Lens Exchange corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness, using an inrtaocular lens implant. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be the procedure of choice for patients who are too nearsighted, too farsighted, or have corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction. It is also an alternative for those over the age of 40 and may be showing signs of developing cataracts. Millions of eyes have received intraocular lens implants when undergoing cataract surgery. The primary difference between cataract surgery and RLE is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient's cloudy lens, and Refractive Lens Exchange is performed to reduce one's dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Performed as an outpatient procedure, the natural lens is removed using ultrasonic vibrations through a very small microincision and replaced through that same incision with an intraocular lens. The patient remains comfortable as the eye is completely anesthetized. Everyone heals differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately, and most resume their normal activities within a day or two. One eye is done at a time, and the second eye is usually done in a week or two.
This great technology is helping millions of people improve their quality of life. Austin Refractive Lens Exchange procedures are increasing and Dr. Berkowitz is providing Austinites with these unique implantable multifocal lenses proven to provide excellent vision at all distances and helping people gain independence from glasses for the first time. Dr. Berkowitz has performed over 17,000 cataract, corneal, and refractive surgical procedures. He has been using multifocal intraocular lenses for over 10 years and in the Rio Grande Valley was one of the first surgeons to perform topical anesthesia, no stitch cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular lens implants, and refractive surgery.
If cataracts and presbyopia are affecting your quality of life, now is the time to contact Dr. Berkowitz about treatment options.