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Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange

Traditionally, presbyopia, which happens to all of us as we age, has always meant glasses are necessary for clear reading vision. Presbyopia cannot be corrected with vision correction surgeries such as LASIK. Luckily, there is an option – refractive lens exchange. Refractive lens exchange is allowing patients an alternative to reading glasses by using an advanced multifocal intraocular lens. Here at Chicago Cornea Consultants, we use Alcon PanOptix trifocal IOL, AMO Tecnis, as well as the Bausch + Lomb Crystalens™, which replaces the eye’s natural lens during refractive lens exchange.

Intraocular Lens Examples

While LASIK concentrates on correcting the cornea, refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens of your eye with an advanced multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens (IOL), allowing clear vision up close, far away and in between. Additionally, patients undergoing the refractive lens exchange procedure will never have to worry about cataracts as they age, since the advanced intraocular lens will remain clear.

Refractive lens exchange is best suited for older patients who are hyperopic (farsighted) or myopic (nearsighted) and want to lessen their dependence on reading glasses. To find out if a refractive lens exchange is right for you, contact us today!

The Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure

During the refractive lens exchange procedure at Chicago Cornea Consultants, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. A special probe is inserted through the incision to gently break up and suction out the natural lens. An intraocular lens implant is then inserted into place. The entire refractive lens exchange procedure is completed in about 20 to 25 minutes, and visual recovery is rapid.

Cataract Surgery Chart

What are the Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?

There are several advantages to the refractive lens exchange procedure, including:

  • Quick visual recovery
  • Permanent results without the use of a laser
  • Eliminates the need for cataract surgery in the future
  • Eliminates the dependence on glasses and contact lenses

If you would like to learn more about the exciting opportunities refractive lens exchange has to offer, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today in Chicago, Highland Park or Hoffman Estates to schedule a personal consultation.

Phakic IOL’s

Artisan and Staar Visian ICL™ – Effective Nearsightedness Treatment at Chicago Cornea Consultants

Visian ICL ExamplePrior to the availability of the Artisan phakic intraocular lens (IOL) and Staar Visian ICL™ treatments, individuals with moderate to severe nearsightedness or thin corneas had little recourse but to correct their vision with contact lenses or glasses. Now with the innovative Artisan phakic IOL and Staar Visian ICL™ technologies, Chicago Cornea Consultants, Ltd. offers a way for our patients to dispense almost entirely with the inconvenience of contacts and the cosmetic imposition of glasses. At last, our patients can have all the benefits that LASIK recipients have enjoyed for so long. If you have been denied LASIK or other treatment because of too-thin corneas or a too-strong prescription for nearsightedness, the Artisan phakic IOL and Staar Visian ICL™ technologies used by Chicago Cornea Consultants at all of our locations (Chicago, Highland Park, and Hoffman Estates) may be able to help you. To learn more about the Staar Visian ICL™, click here.

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LASIK , or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that is designed to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Here at Chicago Cornea Consultants, Ltd., our LASIK surgeons use the latest in laser vision correction technology to ensure each patient receives optimal results.
Laser Vision
Correction/lasik
As leaders in the field of ophthalmology, we were among the first in the area to offer the advanced Alcon LenSx laser platform for cataract surgery. This exciting new technology allows our skilled ophthalmologists to make incredibly precise modifications, enhancing the patient experience.
cataract &
iol surgery
Traditionally, presbyopia, which happens to all of us as we age, has always meant glasses for clear reading vision. It's a condition not even correctable by laser vision correction. Luckily, there is an option. Refractive lens exchange allows patients a clear alternative to reading glasses and is capable of reducing or eliminating presbyopia by using an advanced multifocal intraocular lens.
refractive lens
exchange/phakic iol's
Keratoconus describes a cornea that weakens as collagen fibers deteriorate, causing the cornea to adapt a cone-like shape. Keratoconus can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, glares, and decreased night vision. In its early stages, keratoconus may be treated with the use of prescription glasses or contact lenses.  Keratoconus is also one of the most common reasons for corneal transplant, and one of the most successful. call any of our offices and ask to speak to the Vision Correction Surgical Coordinator, or use the contact form below.
cornea/
keratoconus
It's estimated that a million or more Americans have glaucoma and don't even know it.  People with glaucoma often do not experience any symptoms until they begin losing their peripheral vision. One of the scariest things about glaucoma is that it usually has no symptoms in the early stages, earning glaucoma the name "silent thief of sight." Anyone can be at risk, so it's important to have your vision regularly examined.
glaucoma
At Chicago Cornea Consultants, our doctors take great care in maintaining ocular health for our patients. However, a number of our patients voice concerns regarding soft lines and wrinkles around the eyes and other regions of the face. We have responded by introducing cosmetic procedures like BOTOX® Cosmetic through our Chicago practice.
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cosmetic
This last decade has brought great advancements in intraocular lens implants. Before only a single vision lens was available after cataract surgery, now there are multiple options allowing people to see clearly without glasses after cataract surgery at all distances! The experienced surgeons at Chicago Cornea have been among the first in the nation to offer many of these lenses. We encourage you to learn more about these advanced options and schedule a consultation to determine which lens is right for you.
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Advanced Technology
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Contact lenses are medical devices which interact directly with the ocular surface of the eye. At Chicago Cornea Consultants, we provide exceptional care to ensure that you obtain the best possible vision with contact lenses that fit appropriately and maximize health benefits.
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Our Locations

(800) 8-CORNEA

Chicago Office

1725 W Harrison St, Suite 928,
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5300

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Highland Park Office

806 Central Ave,
#300,
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 432-6010

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Hoffman Estates Office

1585 N. Barrington Rd,
(Doctors Building 2)
Ste 502
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(On the campus of St. Alexius Med. Center)
(847) 882-5900

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Services
LASIK / LASER EYE SURGERY CATARACTS & INTRAOCULAR LENSES CORNEA / KERATOCONUS GLAUCOMA BOTOX® COSMETIC READING VISION CORRECTION
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*This site does not provide medical advice. While the information found on this website is generally true, specific conditions as they may relate to you may be different including the diagnosis and potential treatments. The information on this website should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified eye care professional. Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical concern or condition. Unsolicited emails and messages may not be answered.