Refractive Lens Surgery in Brooklyn

The two procedures are very similar: the natural lens is removed, and an intraocular lens is implanted. Refractive lens surgery is mainly used to correct severe refractive error or presbyopia in patients who want to reduce their reliance on glasses. A published review in Eye and Vision notes that lens power calculations are the same as for cataract surgery. However, patients tend to be younger.

Because refractive lens surgery is performed to reduce reliance on glasses rather than to treat disease, it is usually considered elective. As the FDA notes, most medical insurance plans do not cover refractive surgery. Cataract surgery works differently because it is often partially covered when medically necessary. You can review payment options on the Financing & Insurance page.

No. At New York Laser Vision, lens surgery is usually performed on one eye at a time, with the second eye scheduled after the first has healed. Waiting gives your surgeon a chance to confirm the first result before operating on the second eye. Your care team will set a schedule based on how you recover.

Refractive lens surgery is considered safe and effective, but possible risks include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, lens position problems, and retinal detachment. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that retinal detachment is a well-known risk in highly nearsighted eyes. According to the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, posterior capsule opacification (a clouding behind the lens) is also more common after this surgery than after cataract surgery, because patients tend to be younger. It is corrected with a quick in-office laser treatment.

Younger patients usually still have their natural ability to focus up close. EyeWiki notes that people who have not yet lost this ability or developed presbyopia are generally not good candidates for lens exchange. Younger patients are often better served by options that keep the natural lens, such as LASIK, PRK, or EVO ICL.

Yes, but lens power calculations are more complex after prior laser vision correction. According to Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, standard measurements often overestimate corneal power after LASIK for nearsightedness. Without adjustment, this can leave patients farsighted after surgery. Share your original surgery records if you have them, since they help your surgeon choose the most accurate lens.

Monovision is a strategy in which one eye is set for distance and the other for near vision. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye doctors usually recommend trying monovision with contact lenses before surgery. The AAO also notes that monovision can reduce depth perception, and some people still need reading glasses for small print.

The Light Adjustable Lens is one of the most customizable lenses available. The FDA approved it in 2017 for patients having cataract surgery, so whether it suits refractive lens surgery is decided on a case-by-case basis. The lens power is fine-tuned with in-office UV light treatments, starting 17 to 21 days after surgery. Patients receive three or four treatments over one to two weeks and wear UV-protective glasses until the treatments are complete. Dr. Rachel Mindin holds RxSight Light Adjustable Lens certification.

Some patients notice halos or glare around lights. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes these effects appear more often with multifocal lenses than with monofocal lenses, and that reduced night vision has been reported. If night driving is a priority, raise it during your consultation so it can guide your lens choice.

Refractive lens surgery follows the same recovery steps as cataract surgery. Kaiser Permanente's recovery guide advises:

• No rubbing or pressing on the eye for at least one week
• No eye makeup for one to two weeks
• Wearing your eye shield as directed, which may be only while you sleep