RLE – Five simple steps to life without glasses

Modern, certified and highly-specialized clinic:

Experienced surgeons

Dr Iwona Filipecka – Manages the medical team of the  Ophthalmology and Optometry Center. Specializes in surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, refractive lens exchange (multifocal lens implants), as well as diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. A member of the Polish Society of Ophthalmology (PTO), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the European Society of Cataract Surgeons and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS). The originator and one of the founders of the “Ophthalmologists for Africa” Foundation.

The lens replacement surgeries are performed by one of the most recognized and valued eyes surgeons in Poland.

Dr Adamczyk – Ludyga is a lecturer and speaker on national ophthalmology courses, she conducts practical classes from premium toric lenses implantation for other surgeons. 

Dr Lukasz Drzyzga – senior consultant specialist in eye diseases, at the followings wards of the University Ophthalmology Clinic in Katowice: Corneal Transplant Division, Lens replacement surgery, Cataract surgery, Ophthalmic surgery, Eye and Corneal Surgery Laboratory, and Refraction Surgery Laboratory. Over 10 000 transplanted lenses. International experience.

1. General Treatment Information on RLE – Refractive Lens Exchange abroad

a) Expected results and benefits of the RLE/Natural lens replacement in Poland:

What are the advantages of undergoing natural lens replacement in Poland?

While laser vision correction procedures are still very popular, the fact is that they are not always the best option for individuals who want to reduce dependence on corrective eyewear or for those people who have problems with reading and distance vision. Refractive Lens Exchange abroad essentially involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an advanced intraocular lens implant (IOL). Natural Lens Replacement (called also a RLE) can be a very effective procedure for patients who may not be good candidates for laser corrections, and ideal for people aged 45 and older who are beginning to develop presbyopia, a common, age-related decline in near vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

In addition to the vision quality benefits associated with refractive natural lens exchange abroad, the procedure usually takes about 20 minutes and recovery is generally minimal. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities the very next day.

Our clinic offers a wide variety of premium IOLs, including toric IOLs to correct astigmatism and multifocal IOLs to improve vision at all distances – near, intermediate, and distance. There are now lens options that can simultaneously address both presbyopia and astigmatism at the same time. The results from RLE surgery are typically permanent, and this procedure eliminates the potential for developing cataracts in the future.

b) About RLE refractive Lens Exchange Surgery Abroad

There are different types of lenses available, our experienced surgeon will help you choose the most convenient option after the careful examinations:

• Premium multifocal lenses – which can be set at two or more different strengths, such as near and distance vision
• Premium trifocal lenses – which allow the eye to focus on both near and distant objects in a similar way to a natural lens.
There are also advanced technology lenses that allow correcting astigmatism, and might also have the UV filter and blue light filter.
• Phakic lenses – Phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses) are an alternative to LASIK and PRK eye surgery for correcting moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness), and in some cases produce better and more predictable vision outcomes than laser refractive surgery. Phakic IOLs are clear implantable lenses that are surgically placed either between the cornea and the iris (the colored portion of your eye) or just behind the iris, without removing your natural lens. Phakic lenses enable light to focus properly on the retina for clearer vision without corrective eyewear.

In our clinic we offer a wide range of premium lenses from different manufactures (such as Alcon, Rayner, Carl Zeiss etc,), which you can choose  depending on your individual preferences as well as doctors suggestion- The choice is made after a consultation with the doctor when all differences between lenses type are clearly explained.
If you suffer from presbyopia, got tired of reading glasses and willing to improve a quality of living by becoming glasses-free the RLE (refractive lens replacement abroad) procedure is the choice for you. A natural lens is painlessly removed and replaced by a new artificial lens implant to restore your vision.

c) Natural lens replacement surgery in Poland – Treatment Schedule

Refractive lens exchange in Poland usually takes about 15-30 minutes. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, meaning you will be awake during the procedure, however the procedure is completely painless. Sometimes the doctor will give you some calming pills.
The surgery starts with applying a local anaesthesication in the form of eye drops. Your eye will be disinfected. Then the surgeon will proceed to the main part of the surgery. After placing a new lens in your eye you will have your eye dressed in a bandage for a couple of hours.

d) Refractive lens exchange abroad – potential side effects

What are the risks of undergoing a natural lens replacement abroad?
Lens replacement surgery is a very popular procedure performed in our clinic several times every week. Therefore our doctors are well experienced – main eye surgeons have performed over 20 000 lens replacements, both mono and multifocal. Besides their practice they are also lecturers and speakers on lens replacement courses for other eye-surgeons and members of recognized, international organizations such as American Academy of Ophthalmology. The complications are very rare – occurring in less than 0,1% of cases. Our treatment process is planned so that if any complication occurs we can take appropriate actions immediately. To minimize the chance of infection, you will need to use antibiotics and steroids eyedrops following the surgery.
After surgery, you will probably experience a mild pain around your eye, blurred vision, itchy eye or discomfort when looking at bright lights. You may wear sunglasses to reduce sensitiveness.

e) Lens replacement surgery abroad / Refractive Lens Exchange – Full Recovery Time

After the surgery, you will need to avoid strenuous activities (lifting heavy objects), touching your eye, wearing make up for one week, swimming for two weeks, touching or rubbing your eye. You will receive the recommendations to follow in the post-operative term from.

2. Patient’s preparation for the natural lens replacement surgery in Poland

How do I prepare myself for the natural lens replacement abroad?

It is important at the time of the refractive lens replacement surgery that no eye infection is present. You will be asked not to drink or eat several hours before the lens replacement surgery in Poland. You should not use any cosmetics or makeup. Please do not wear a contact lens in your operation eye during the 3 days prior to surgery.  In the day of the procedure, you should not drink coffee or alcohol. Bring your pyjamas (or a track suit), as you will be administered to the clinics ward (just for several hours). Pack your sunglasses, as you may need them if it gets too sunny on the following day.

3. Diagnostics in lens replacement surgery abroad

What medial and diagnostics test shall I prepare for refractive lens exchange abroad?

Before lens replacement surgery in Poland doctor performs a comprehensive eye exam to check the overall health of your eyes, evaluate whether there are reasons why you should not have a surgery and identify any risk factors you might have. A refraction also will be performed to determine the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism you have before lens replacement surgery.

The doctor will take measurements of your eyes to assess the strength of the artificial lens that will replace your natural lens. Additional measurements of your eyes will be taken to determine the curvature of your cornea and the length of your eye.

We would encourage you to visit our clinic for your pre-operative consultation, as our medical team will check your eyes precisely. The examination package before your natural lens replacement in Poland will include:

• optometric examination

• autorefractor examination

• perimetry

• corneal topography

• fundus examination

• corneal endothelial examination

• IOL master

• qualification for contact lenses

• medical interview, ophthalmological consultation with our doctor

4. Lens Types – refractive lens exchange in Poland – premium multifocal (trifocal & bifocal lenses)

In our clinic we use many different types of premium multifocal lenses, depending on Patients needs and expecations. Here are some of the most popular:

AcrySof IQ Restor (Alcon Acrysof Restor SN 6 A) – Presbyopia-correcting IOL, multifocal lens, UV filter, Blue light filter, stable after implantation. Owing to the many focal points, it allows correcting the sight in both nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness. With this lenses, Patient can fully resign from glasses.
AcrySof IQ PanOptix – presbyopia-correcting IOL, trifocal lens, UV filter, Blue light filter, stable after implantation. Owing to the many focal points, it allows correcting the sight in both nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness. With this lenses, Patient can fully resign from glasses, perfect for Patients using computers or laptops daily. Has great Patients opinions, one of the best available lenses.
AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric – presbyopia-correcting IOL, trifocal lens, UV filter, Blue light filter, stable after implantation. Owing to the many focal points, it allows correcting the sight in both nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness. With this lenses, Patient can fully resign from glasses.

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