Refractive Lens Exchange
What Does Recovery From RLE Look Like?
After your procedure, you’ll return to Durrie Vision to complete a one-day post-op appointment. After your one-day post-operative appointment, you will be able to resume daily activities. Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed. Over the next few days, you will notice the complete effect of refractive lens exchange surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange Recovery Timeline
During Your Surgery
- Your procedure only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Discomfort will vary. You may experience some mild itchiness or a scratchy foreign body sensation.
- Light sensitivity is expected, as your pupils may be dilated for up to 24 hours following surgery.
- Immediately following surgery, your vision will likely be blurry, but it will gradually improve over the next few weeks.
24 to 48 Hours After Surgery
- You may begin to notice the positive effects of your surgery.
- Attend your one-day post-operative appointment.
- Rest to promote recovery from RLE.
- Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed.
- Start wearing eye shields at night.
First Week
- Your vision will continue to improve during this time.
- By this time, you’ve likely returned to work and daily activities (unless they include heavy lifting, swimming, or hot tub use).
- We recommend light exercise only, such as walking.
- Wear your eye shields at night until the end of the first week.
Two to Four Weeks
- Your vision will continue to improve even more.
- Much of the healing process has occurred by this time.
- You may resume activities other than swimming and hot tubs.
One to Three Months
- Healing is complete.
- Most people will see the full results of their surgery.
Restrictions After Your RLE Procedure
Return to driving if you feel confident in your vision after your one-day exam.
Return to work and most activities as comfort allows.
Shower or bathe with caution. Avoid soap or water in your eyes.
You can wear makeup after your one-day post-operative exam. Be careful when applying or removing makeup.
No hot tub or swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean for one month.
Do’s and Don’ts After RLE
DO:
- Frequently use preservative-free artificial tears. (They cannot be overused!)
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
- Take NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen as needed.
- Wear eye shields when sleeping for one week.
- Relax after surgery. You may take a nap if you wish.
- Have a responsible adult stay with you for 12 to 24 hours.
DON’T:
- Do not rub or bump your eyes.
- Hurt your eye with the tip of the eye dropper when instilling eye drops.
Medications
After your procedure, you’ll receive a prescription(s) for medicated eye drops and guidance on any recommended over-the-counter drops. Specific instructions will be provided to you directly as part of your personalized care plan.
Reach Out to Our Team
Stay connected to our team after your refractive lens exchange procedure. Call Durrie Vision with any questions or concerns about refractive lens exchange surgery recovery time.
Don’t just take our word for it!
Schedule a Free Consultation
During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.
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From The Experts At Durrie Vision
5 Things To Know About Refractive Lens Exchange
Laser Vision Correction Can Help You Improve Your Eyesight You probably know it as a type of vision correction surgery. And that’s exactly what it is! At Durrie Vision, our doctors call it refractive lens exchange - and it’s a little different from LASIK. While it’s...