Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange can help correct age-related vision loss and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

As we age, our eyes can develop several conditions, including cataracts — a clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens — and presbyopia , which occurs when the natural lens loses its ability to change shape, making it more difficult to focus on nearby objects.

Lens replacement

For both cataracts and presbyopia, your Henry Ford surgeon can treat the condition by removing the eye’s natural lens and implanting a replacement lens . For cataracts, this can be done through laser cataract surgery or traditional cataract surgery . For patients with presbyopia, refractive lens exchange (also known as clear lens extraction) may be an option.

How does refractive lens exchange work?

As with cataract treatment, clear lens extraction uses the same LenSx® laser technology. Both are outpatient procedures that typically take about 20 minutes and follow these steps:

• Capsulotomy: A small, circular opening is created in the front of the lens capsule.
• Lens fragmentation: The natural lens is softened and broken into smaller pieces.
• Lens replacement: The lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens to correct refractive error. These custom replacement lenses are available in several types.

What is the difference between traditional and laser refractive lens exchange?

The laser automates several steps of traditional clear lens extraction and offers additional benefits, including:

• Enhanced customization: Advanced imaging creates a high-resolution, 3D map of your eye to improve surgical planning.
• Improved precision: Laser-created incisions may improve accuracy compared to manual techniques, potentially enhancing visual outcomes.
• Reduced ultrasound energy: Pre-fragmenting the lens reduces ultrasound time, which may lower heat buildup and decrease risk.
• Real-time prescription accuracy: During laser procedures, your surgeon may use intraoperative tools such as optiwave refractive analysis (ORA System®) to verify lens prescription and help correct astigmatism, potentially reducing the need for glasses after surgery.

CareCredit Financing

To make vision surgery more accessible, Henry Ford offers financing options, including the CareCredit® credit card , which may be used for refractive lens exchange.

At Henry Ford, patients come first

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology provides compassionate, personalized care using the most advanced treatments available. We are dedicated to vision research and remain at the forefront of innovation. As one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients each year at several locations throughout southeast Michigan. Our team also collaborates with physicians across specialties to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care.