Custom Lens Replacement Las Vegas | (RLE, CLR)
Want to ditch the reading glasses and bifocals?
At Las Vegas Eye Institute, Dr. Swanic and our expert team are leaders in Custom Lens Replacement surgery, offering personalized vision correction to the people of Las Vegas and beyond. Using the most advanced technology, we provide customized solutions like CLR (RLE) for individuals seeking to improve their sight through innovative procedures. Whether addressing presbyopia or the desire to eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts, our focus is on delivering superior outcomes. For a detailed consultation and to find out if custom lens replacement can benefit you, schedule a consultation with Las Vegas Eye Institute today.
—Roland S.
Why Choose Us for Custom Lens Replacement in Las Vegas?
Get life-transforming custom lens replacement (refractive lens exchange) from Dr. Matthew Swanic, an expert in laser vision correction with a down-to-earth, calming demeanor his patients love.
Benefits of Custom Lens Replacement
Experience the LVEI Difference.
Experience friendly, unrushed, personalized treatment from Dr. Matthew Swanic.
What is Custom Lens Replacement Surgery (CLR)?
Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), is a surgical procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision issues and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This procedure is particularly suitable for individuals who are not ideal candidates for corneal-based refractive surgeries, such as LASIK. CLR is often chosen to correct refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Unlike cataract surgery which is performed to replace a clouded lens, CLR involves the removal of a clear, yet unfocused natural lens. The replaced artificial lens is tailored to improve vision at various distances—near, intermediate, and far—according to the patient’s lifestyle and specific visual requirements. This surgical approach is highly similar to the techniques used in cataract surgery, one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, which highlights its safety and effectiveness to provide a significant improvement in visual acuity for patients with different types of vision impairments.
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Who is a Candidate for Custom Lens Replacement?
Individuals over 45 years old who are experiencing age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, or those with significant refractive errors are prime candidates for Custom Lens Replacement (CLR). This procedure is an effective option for those who are unsuitable for other types of vision correction surgeries, such as LASIK, which may be not be recommended due to factors like thin corneas. Custom Lens Replacement not only corrects these vision issues but also serves as a proactive approach to prevent potential cataract development in the future.
The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone middle-aged or older seeking to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses and desires a long-term solution for their vision needs. Custom Lens Replacement offers a significant improvement in visual acuity and can be an excellent alternative for those who need a reliable vision correction method but are not candidates for corneal-based procedures. Plus, patients receiving CLR will never develop cataracts in the future as they age.
Is Custom Lens Replacement Affordable?
Custom Lens Replacement is an investment in your eyesight and can be considered affordable when you factor in the long-term savings compared to ongoing expenses such as purchasing contact lenses or updating prescription eyeglasses. The procedure allows you to own your vision, as the results are permanent, eliminating the recurring costs associated with temporary vision solutions.
Post-Procedure Care and Custom Lens Replacement Recovery
It is important to follow the post-procedure guidelines provided by your surgeon after a Custom Lens Replacement procedure to ensure optimal results and a smooth, quick recovery. The procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision problems and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Immediately after the surgery, it is crucial for patients to wear a protective eye shield to safeguard the eye from accidental rubbing or pressure, especially during sleep for at least the first week. Dr. Swanic typically prescribes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and manage inflammation. Patients must follow the prescribed schedule for applying these drops diligently. To further prevent infection, it is important to avoid allowing water to directly contact the eyes while showering or washing the face.
Wearing sunglasses outdoors is advised to protect the eyes from bright light and UV rays, which can cause discomfort during the early recovery stages. Patients should also avoid rubbing the eye, engaging in strenuous activities, or lifting heavy objects, which could increase eye pressure or cause sweat to enter the eyes for a few weeks following the surgery. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water are off-limits for at least a month to reduce infection risks. Additionally, patients should refrain from wearing eye makeup or driving until they have received clearance from their eye surgeon, as post-surgery vision may initially be blurry or distorted.
Most patients notice an immediate improvement in vision post-surgery, though some may experience blurriness and vision fluctuations as the eye heals. Vision generally starts to clear significantly within the first 24 hours, with potential light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, or mild discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days. The majority of daily activities can be resumed within the first week, and a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure there are no complications. Complete healing and stabilization of vision can take several weeks.
By carefully following the post-procedure guidelines, patients can ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy significant improvements in their vision after undergoing Custom Lens Replacement surgery.
Yes, both Medicare and insurance cover cataract surgery in Las Vegas. If you want to upgrade to multi-focal IOLS that let you see both near and far, you only pay for the advanced lenses that insurance and Medicare won’t cover. We also have convenient financing, so no matter what your specific financial budget is, we can typically meet it.
What are some symptoms of presbyopia that can be addressed with custom lens replacement surgery?
Presbyopia symptoms often include:
- Difficulty reading small print, especially in low light
- Needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length to see clearly
- Eye strain or headaches after reading or doing close work
- Blurred vision at normal reading distance
- The need to use brighter lighting for reading or close-up tasks
- Increased difficulty focusing on objects up close
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
- Feeling tired or fatigued when doing close-up work
Does Dr. Swanic have experience doing Custom Lens Replacement procedures in Vegas?
Yes, Dr. Swanic has both extensive experience and advanced training in performing CLR procedures, also called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Dr. Swanic has performed thousands of this type of surgery and has an incredibly low surgical complication rate (well under 1%.) He is has also been selected to principal investigator in several FDA trial studies.
Equally crucial to his expertise is his bedside manner. Our patients often feel a bit anxious about their CLR procedure, but Dr. Swanic and his team excel at putting them at ease. Their calming presence helps you relax before, during, and after your procedure. It’s no wonder that almost every patient review highlights this key aspect of their Las Vegas Eye Institute experience.
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FAQs About Custom Lens Replacement in Las Vegas
How long does the Custom Lens Replacement procedure take at Las Vegas Eye Institute?
The Custom Lens Replacement procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes per eye. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, our experienced surgeon, Dr. Swanic, uses cutting-edge technology to ensure the procedure is both quick and effective, minimizing discomfort and maximizing precision.
What type of lenses does Las Vegas Eye Institute use for Custom Lens Replacement?
Las Vegas Eye Institute uses a variety of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) for Custom Lens Replacement, including multifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, and toric lenses, tailored to meet the specific vision needs and lifestyles of our patients. This variety ensures that each corrective lens, whether for bifocals or other needs, is perfectly suited to enhance the eyeglass prescription of our patients.
How soon can I return to work after undergoing Custom Lens Replacement at Las Vegas Eye Institute?
Most patients are able to return to work and resume normal activities within a few days after the Custom Lens Replacement surgery, depending on the nature of their job. Our team at Las Vegas Eye Institute provides personalized advice and guidelines based on your specific situation.
What are the risks associated with Custom Lens Replacement?
While Custom Lens Replacement is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks such as infection, inflammation, and changes in eye pressure. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we discuss all potential risks and how we mitigate them during your pre-surgical consultation.
Can Custom Lens Replacement correct astigmatism?
Yes, Custom Lens Replacement can correct astigmatism. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, we often use toric IOLs specifically designed to correct astigmatism along with other refractive errors, providing clear vision across various distances.
How effective is Custom Lens Replacement in improving night vision?
Many patients experience improved night vision after Custom Lens Replacement due to the reduction or elimination of refractive errors. Certain multifocal lenses can cause some haloes around lights after the procedure. These haloes often diminish with time. They are specific to certain lenses that Dr. Swanic would discuss with you at the time of your consultation. At Las Vegas Eye Institute, Dr. Swanic carefully selects the appropriate IOLs to enhance vision under various lighting conditions.
Does insurance cover Custom Lens Replacement at Las Vegas Eye Institute?
Custom Lens Replacement is often considered elective surgery; however, coverage can vary. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for specifics. Our staff at Las Vegas Eye Institute can provide assistance with insurance questions and discuss financing options.
What is the difference between Custom Lens Replacement and LASIK?
Custom Lens Replacement replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial IOL, suitable for treating presbyopia and cataracts, and is an option for those not eligible for LASIK. LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision. Our expert surgeon at Las Vegas Eye Institute can help determine which procedure is best for you.
How do I know if Custom Lens Replacement is right for me?
Determining if Custom Lens Replacement is right for you involves a thorough eye examination and discussion of your vision goals and medical history. Schedule a consultation at Las Vegas Eye Institute to explore your options and get personalized recommendations.
Can Custom Lens Replacement prevent the future development of cataracts?
Yes, CLR effectively eliminates the possibility of developing cataracts in the future since the procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. This is a big benefit of the procedure.