Refractive Lens Exchange

LASIK is not suitable for everyone. Due to age, previous eye surgeries, or certain eye conditions, patients may experience a better fit with alternative laser vision correction methods.

Clear Vision at Last

With advancements in IOL (intraocular lens) technology, clear vision without the need for glasses and contact lenses is finally an option for more people than ever! We encourage you to read about these options and schedule an appointment at Chicago Cornea Consultants to learn more!

Why choose Chicago Cornea Consultants?

Chicago Cornea Consultants serves patients in and beyond Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Crystal Lake, and Highland Park, providing superior, personalized eye care that can be life-changing. By utilizing innovative, best-in-class technology and equipment, our board-certified ophthalmologists allow patients to reclaim their quality of life and make meaningful memories with their friends, families, and loved ones.

Our award-winning team trains other physicians around the globe and has consistently been named “Top Doctors in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. Our doctors are frequent contributors to podcasts, newspapers, and journals and were honored as Newsweek America's “Best Ophthalmologists” and “Best Cataract Surgeons.” We believe every patient deserves the “See the Best”!

Refractive lens exchange

Traditionally, presbyopia (farsightedness), 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 a treatment option – refractive lens exchange. Refractive lens exchange offers an alternative to reading glasses by using an advanced multifocal intraocular lens.

Here at Chicago Cornea, we use Alcon PanOptix trifocal IOLs and AMO Tecnis, which replace the eye’s natural lens during refractive lens exchange. 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.

What are the benefits of refractive lens exchange?

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

Quick visual recovery
Elimination of the need for cataract surgery in the future
Lasting results without the use of a laser
Elimination of 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, Crystal Lake, or Hoffman Estates to schedule a personal consultation.

What is the Alcon Vivity IOL?

The Alcon Vivity IOL is a groundbreaking intraocular lens implant designed to correct vision after cataract surgery. The Vivity IOL is an excellent choice for overcoming presbyopia (farsightedness).

It is made with Clareon, a proprietary compound that supports exceptional clarity and stability. The lens helps minimize glare, starbursts, and halos, common side effects related to conventional multifocal IOLs.

Vivity IOLs offer an extended depth of focus that allows patients to see clearly from near to far. This makes them ideal for patients who desire to gain independence from glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery.

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