The origins of refractive surgery can be traced back almost 100 years to the pioneering efforts of Lans for the correction of astigmatism. Only over the last 20 years has technology triggered an explosion of interest in operations designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. We are pleased that the Buzard Eye Institute has contributed significantly over the past 10 years to the modern renaissance of refractive surgery, with multiple contributions to astigmatism, nearsightedness and centration.

An area of particular interest has been improvements in the operation and follow-up involved in the removal of the human lens. While the initial application of these improvements was made toward removal of cataracts, they proved so beneficial that it became practical to consider removal of the lens, whether clear or with cataract, to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.

Though LASIK has greatly expanded the range of patients who may benefit from refractive surgery, Lens Exchange Surgery extends it even further, allowing patients with extremes of near and/or farsightedness and patients with incipient cataracts to enjoy the benefits of vision without the compromise of glasses or contact lenses.

With the improvements developed at the Buzard Eye Institute, Lens Exchange Surgery is a safe, painless and rapid procedure, requiring approximately two hours in our office. Visual rehabilitation is rapid, as is LASIK surgery. Most patients see well enough the day after surgery to return to work! It is an exciting new day for even more patients who wish to be rid of their glasses and contact lenses Thanks to ongoing research at the Buzard Eye Institute.

Cornea vs. Lens Refractive Surgery

Why consider lens exchange surgery rather than a cornea refractive surgery, such as LASIK?

First, patients over age 50 often have the beginnings of cataract, which while not appropriate for removal as a cataract, complicate or prevent a good response to laser corneal refractive surgery (LASIK). As the cataract progresses, the refraction usually changes, vision decreases and the effect of the corneal refractive surgery is lost. With Lens Exchange Surgery, the cataract issue is removed. Cataracts will never form or become a problem, and the refractive result obtained today will in all likelihood, be present for the rest of your life.

Second, some patients experience extreme degrees of near or farsightedness, which precludes the use of LASIK as a primary surgery because the LASIK would remove so much corneal tissue that the eye would become unstable. Lens Exchange Surgery allows safe and rapid vision improvement even for patients with extreme near or farsightedness.