If you are considering RLE surgery, also known as radial keratotomy, then you probably have a lot of questions. What is it? How does it work? Is it safe? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and give you a comprehensive overview of the procedure. Keep reading to learn more!
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What Is RLE Surgery?
RLE surgery is a refractive eye surgery designed to correct visual impairments, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea with a laser to improve vision. One of the most common types of RLE surgery is laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK).
People may opt for RLE surgery if they are dissatisfied with their vision and want to reduce or eliminate their reliance on corrective lenses. The procedure is relatively safe and successful, however, there can still be risks associated with it. Patients must have realistic expectations of what the results might be.
Sometimes there are also non-surgical solutions that may be more appropriate depending on the patient’s needs, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Also, because the effects of RLE surgery can be permanent, patients should thoroughly research the procedure before deciding if it’s right for them.
Working in RLE Surgery
The process for RLE surgery, or refractive lens exchange, begins with the numbing of your eye and the insertion of a small probe. This probe is used to break up the cloudy natural lens and then remove it by suction. Once the natural lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place. The IOL chosen will be based on your specific vision needs and can correct various vision problems such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia.
Throughout the working of RLE surgery, you can expect to feel pressure and sensation in the eye being operated on. It is important to keep your eyes open during the procedure and stay as still as possible for the best outcome.
The procedure of RLE surgery is typically completed in under 30 minutes, and it does not require any stitches. It is a quick outpatient procedure with minimal risks for complications.
Who Is a Candidate for RLE Surgery?
The first thing to understand about RLE surgery is who is a good candidate for it. Generally, you must have healthy eyes and be over the age of 21 with no pre-existing eye diseases or disorders in either eye. People who are nearsighted or farsighted are typically not good candidates for this procedure since corrective lenses offer an easier solution. People with astigmatism may be able to see improved vision after the surgery but they should consult their doctor first before deciding if it’s right for them.
The other point to consider when determining if you are a good candidate for RLE surgery is your overall health. If you have any chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure that are not well-controlled, then this procedure may not be right for you. Additionally, people with certain eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration should consult their doctor before considering the surgery.
Sometimes, people who have undergone cataract surgery may not be good candidates for RLE surgery. This is because the nature of the procedure means that there is a risk of retinal detachment if too much corneal tissue is removed.
What Are The Benefits Of RLE Surgery?
There are several potential benefits to getting RLE surgery. Some of these are:
Improved Vision
Vision improvement is usually the most desired outcome of RLE surgery. After the procedure, many patients report better vision, with reduced need for glasses or contacts. Sometimes, they even have better vision than before the surgery.
Reduced Glare and Halos
Many patients report improved night vision, with reduced glare and halos around light sources. This can make driving at night easier, as well as seeing in general when there are bright lights present.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Having improved vision makes everyday tasks much more manageable and enjoyable. Many activities that were previously difficult due to poor vision become significantly easier or even possible again after RLE surgery. These include reading, watching television, playing sports, enjoying a sunset, and many more.
Lowered Risk Of Eye Diseases
RLE surgery may also lower the risk of certain eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as age-related macular degeneration. This is because RLE surgery can correct vision issues that are often caused by these conditions in the first place.
Reduced Risk Of Injury
Finally, RLE surgery also helps reduce the risk of certain eye injuries due to better vision overall. This means that people who undergo RLE surgery may be less likely to injure their eyes in everyday activities such as sports or using tools.
Overall, there are many potential benefits to getting RLE surgery and it’s important to weigh these against any risks before deciding if the procedure is right for you. If you’re considering getting RLE surgery, talk to your doctor about what it could mean for your vision.
Complications of RLE Surgery
Other than the risks associated with any type of surgery, there are some specific risks associated with RLE surgery. Some of the complications may include :
Dry Eye
One of the most common complications of RLE surgery is dry eye. A dry eye occurs when the eyes are not producing enough tears to keep them moist and comfortable. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, itching, and light sensitivity.
Infection
Like any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection following RLE surgery. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from the eye. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions from your doctor to help prevent infections.
Cataract Development
Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes clouded or opaque over time due to aging or exposure to UV radiation. After this eye surgery, cataracts can develop in the years following the procedure. It is important to have regular eye exams to monitor for cataract development.
Retinal Detachment
In rare cases, a retinal detachment may occur after RLE surgery. If this happens, it can lead to serious vision loss and should be treated as soon as possible. Signs of retinal detachment include flashes or floaters in your vision, reduced field of vision, or shadows over your vision.
Ptosis
Ptosis is another potential complication of this eye surgery and occurs when the eyelid droops more than normal due to weakness in the muscle that lifts it. This can cause problems with vision and should be treated by an ophthalmologist if needed.
Recovery After RLE Surgery
After the procedure, you will be given protective eyewear to wear as well as eyedrops to prevent infection and inflammation. You should avoid rubbing your eyes or wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until your doctor says otherwise.
It can take up to four weeks post-surgery before you completely heal and begin to see results. During this time, you may experience swelling, dryness, sensitivity to light, halos around lights at night, and vision that fluctuates from day to day. These are all normal reactions after RLE surgery, and they should all subside within those four weeks.
Doctors may also suggest that you take part in vision therapy exercises to help strengthen your eyes and keep them healthy. Other than that, you should be able to return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
Overall, this eye surgery is a safe and effective way to correct vision problems without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of this procedure for your specific vision needs. With proper care after surgery, you can enjoy clear vision for many years
Can You Prevent RLE Surgery Complications?
Preventing these eye surgery complications is possible, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Before undergoing RLE surgery, you should discuss any underlying health conditions with your doctor. These may increase the risk of certain post-operative complications. Additionally, you should be aware of how different medications can interact with anesthesia or other components of the surgical process.
It’s also important to quit smoking several weeks before this eye surgery if you are a smoker. Smoking damages blood vessels and slows down healing after surgery. It can also lead to an increased risk of bleeding during and after the procedure since nicotine constricts blood vessels.
It’s also essential that you follow all instructions given to you before and after this eye surgery. These will likely involve lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding certain activities, like swimming or taking part in contact sports. Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated are also important steps to take before and after the surgery.
Finally, you must follow all of your doctor’s post-operative instructions regarding care for your incision area. This can include showering with special soap, using topical ointments or creams, and keeping the area clean and dry. Following these instructions will help prevent infection at the surgical site while promoting healing.
Conclusion
RLE surgery can offer a variety of benefits to those suffering from vision loss. It is important to learn as much as you can about the procedure before making a decision and speak with your doctor to determine if it is right for you. It is also important that you follow all post-operative instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure your best outcome after having RLE surgery. With proper care, you can enjoy improved vision and a greater quality of life.
Lasik surgery is a safe 10-minute procedure to help you get rid of glasses. MantraCare offers the most advanced LASIK options. If you have any questions on LASIK surgery feel free to reach out to us at +91-9711116605.