Weighing The Advantages And Disadvantages Of RLE In Presbyopes

Surgeons have actually seen varying degrees of interest in RLE in presbyopic clients in current years. At a practice like that of Daniel S. Durrie, M.D., medical professor of ophthalmology, University of Kansas, Overland Park, the bulk of presbyopic clients will have RLE performed. His practice does not accept Medicare and is private pay only. By contrast, Y. Ralph Chu, M.D., adjunct associate teacher of ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and scientific professor of ophthalmology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, said just a small percentage of his patients are RLE.

Dr. Chu stated. Dr. Packer, an devoted advocate of RLE, said the number of RLEs he has performed has actually reduced given that 2007 and 2008, a pattern he believes relates to the economic downturn. Dr. Hovanesian said.

The cost of laser improvement is consisted of with the expense of RLE due to the fact that improvement is necessary in 10-20% of patients at Dr. Hovanesian's practice. At Dr. Durrie's practice, 10-15% of clients with premium IOLs still need a laser touch up. Selecting the best client for RLE involves a thorough diagnostic work up that consists of retinal optical coherence tomography, endothelial cell counts, and assessment (and possible treatment) of the patient's lashes, lids, and tear film, Dr. Durrie said. At his specific practice, a comprehensive develop is very important as he and fellow surgeon Jason Stahl, M.D., aim to make all clients spectacle-free for a life time.

Dr. Packer takes a more cautious technique with RLE if pre-op screening finds the patient has any concomitant pathology such as epiretinal membranes or glaucoma. RLE can be an ideal suitable for numerous hyperopic patients, but it also can be an option for some myopes. Many cosmetic surgeons stated they do not discover RLE a great fit for high myopes. Dr. Hovanesian said. There is likewise the threat for higher cystoid macular edema, Dr. Chu stated. Dr. Waltz stated. For this reason, he rarely will carry out RLE in high myopes.

There is greater caution with high myopes and RLE, this danger is not a element if the client has formerly had a posterior vitreous detachment, Dr. Packer said. Some research studies have actually even revealed that the association between retinal detachment and RLE may be arguable, Dr. Packer said. Much of the choice of carrying out RLE in myopesor any patientgoes back to cautious patient choice and education, Dr. Waltz said.

Dr. Hovanesian prefers to provide much of the client education himself. At Dr. Durrie's practice, he and Dr. Stahl talk about with patients their short-term and long-lasting vision goals to select the best surgical options for them. The patient education procedure is also the time to broach the possibility of post-op LVC, 20 20 lasik denver Dr. Waltz said.

Dr. Solomon assesses this extremely comprehensive profile and transfers it to the laser. Step 2: Dr. Solomon utilizes the safety and precision of the computer-controlled laser to create a corneal flap.



Action 3: Dr. Solomon uses a cool laser beam to reshape the cornea and minimize sources of abnormalities. Step 4: Lastly, Dr. Solomon moves the protective flap that was produced in action 2 back to its initial position. The cornea starts healing right away, and the client may return house.


Dr. Packer, an passionate supporter of RLE, said the number of RLEs he has actually carried out has actually reduced given that 2007 and 2008, a trend he believes relates to the economic recession. Choosing the ideal client for RLE includes a extensive diagnostic work up that includes retinal optical coherence tomography, endothelial cell counts, and evaluation (and possible treatment) of the client's lashes, lids, and tear film, Dr. Durrie stated. There is higher care with high myopes and RLE, this danger is not a factor if the patient has previously had a posterior vitreous detachment, Dr. Packer said. Much of the choice of performing RLE in myopesor any patientgoes back to mindful client choice and education, Dr. Waltz stated.

At Dr. Durrie's practice, he and Dr. Stahl talk about with patients their short-term and long-lasting vision goals to choose the best surgical alternatives for them.