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Our Patient-Centric Approach to Treatment

Georgia Ophthalmologists believes to be considered as an individual is an essential part of each patient’s#VisionForLife.

Is refractive lens exchange right for you?

Discover if Refractive Lens Exchange is the perfect fit for you. Our expert eye care evaluation determines eligibility based on criteria like extreme myopia or hyperopia and addressing presbyopia to reduce reliance on glasses.

  • REDUCING RELIANCE ON GLASSES

    RLE bends light, ensuring clearer vision at different distances and reducing the need for glasses or contacts. Results may vary; your eye doctor will provide personalized guidance to optimize your visual outcome.

  • SUCCESS RATES FOR THE WIN

    Studies have indicated that over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after the procedure. RLE has a low risk of complications, making it a safe and effective option for many individuals seeking vision correction.

  • NOT A LASIK CANDIDATE

    Refractive Lens Exchange is an excellent vision correction option if you’ve been denied LASIK due to extreme refractive errors or specific eye conditions, especially for individuals over 42-43 who first become presbyopic. It offers lasting results and improved visual clarity, with over 90% of patients being candidates. Your eye doctor will guide you through personalized recommendations for the best possible outcome.

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What results are possible?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) offers improved vision by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, with the added benefit of reducing reliance on glasses. It provides a lasting solution with a relatively quick recovery, making it a safe and effective alternative for patients that rely heavily on glasses or contacts for everyday tasks.

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The Georgia Ophthalmologists Approach

Discover clear vision without the need for glasses through Refractive Lens Exchange, a transformative procedure designed for those who aren’t eligible for LASIK.

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What Our
Patients Say

From the front office staff, to the technicians and physicians…excellent! This is a “patient-friendly” office! Thank you for providing such great care of us!!!

G.A.

Dr. Bigles is the best…He takes very good care of our eyes. The staff is always friendly and very helpful.

G.B.

Had cataract surgery. Dr. Bigles was amazing. Please if anyone is worried or scared about cataract surgery just make an appointment with him. He will quiet your fears.

N.W.

Dr. Bigles is awesome! His surgical staff is wonderful and they were all very reassuring and supportive when I had my cataract surgery last year. Very caring and compassionate!

M.S.

The BEST ophthalmology practice in Georgia! I love all the doctors there and the staff go out of their way to make your experience amazing! I will not trust my vision or my family’s eye care with anyone else!

B.A.

Dr. Bigles is the best eye doctor I have ever been to. He patiently and kindly helped me through a very tough time in my life when I had corneal erosions in both eyes. He saved my life when he performed surgery on both eyes. Dr. B you are the best!

C.S.

Excellent care. Never was treated so nicely or the same in The Bronx N.Y. Can’t wait for my next appointment. Great job everyone.

D.T.

When the day came glasses/contacts were no longer sufficient options, Dr. Bigles assured me Multifocal Lens replacement was the answer. For the first time in my life, I have no glasses, no contacts, colors are more vivid, everything is crystal clear. The gift of sight is priceless.

C.M.
Refractive Lens Exchange

See the world clearly.

Experience life unencumbered with refractive lens exchange.

Preparing for Refractive Lens Exchange begins with an initial consultation where your ophthalmologist evaluates your eye health and discusses your symptoms, such as extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia, that prompt consideration for the procedure.

REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE CONSULTATION

During the consultation, your provider will also explain various IOL options, considering your lifestyle and preferences, enabling you to make an informed decision that best suits your visual needs.

THE PROCEDURE

To perform the refractive lens exchange procedure, your surgeon will:

  • Administer eye drops to numb your eye and may provide medicine for relaxation. You’ll be awake but experience blurry vision, perceiving light and general movements.
  • Use a laser to create a small incision where your sclera and cornea meet.
  • Employ a pen-shaped tool to remove your natural lens (phacoemulsification), using ultrasound waves to liquify the pieces and a vacuum system to suction them out.
  • Insert the new IOL through the same incision, positioning it within your lens capsule without stitches, as the incision will seal on its own.
  • Apply a protective shield over your eye to ensure safety during the recovery process.

 

What is the Difference between a Cataract Procedure and Refractive Lens Exchange

Cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange are both eye lens replacement procedures involving the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). The key distinction lies in their purpose:

  • A cataract procedure is performed when the natural lens becomes cloudy, hindering vision. A clear IOL is inserted to restore clear sight.
  • Refractive lens exchange addresses refractive errors (presbyopia/myopia/hyperopia) in the absence of cataracts. It replaces the clear lens to correct focus problems, reducing dependence on glasses or contacts for enhanced daily activities.
  • Patients who opt for RLE will never develop cataracts. This solution eliminates refractive errors permanently.

Dr. Jose Bigles

Dr. Jose Bigles is a fellowship-trained refractive surgeon experienced in treating a wide variety of ophthalmic disorders, and specializing in restoring vision through cataract and Lasik correction. Contact our office to schedule an examination to diagnose and treat your medical condition.

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FAQ

  • How long does it take?

    The actual procedure takes between 15-30 minutes, but including the initial prep and post-procedure rest, expect about three hours.

  • What to expect after the procedure

    After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for around 30 minutes before going home (arrange for a driver). Expect blurry vision initially, which improves in a few days. Temporary side effects may include double vision, a gritty feeling, and red or watery eyes. Visual side effects like shadows, shimmering light, or halos may occur, especially with multifocal IOLs, but typically lessen over time. If concerns arise, please call our office at (770)786-1234.

  • What is the recovery time?

    Recovery typically spans up to eight weeks, but you can resume most normal activities within a few days or weeks. Your provider will advise when it’s safe to drive, work, swim, or exercise (contact sports may require additional time). We will counsel you on the best advice based on your condition and lifestyle.

  • Is the procedure painful?

    Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is usually not painful during the procedure. Your eye will be numbed with eye drops, and you may receive medication to help you feel relaxed. You will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.

Vision For Your Lifestyle

SURVEY FOR CATARACT PATIENTS

You have an important decision to make about your vision future. This survey is designed to help us understand your vision goals so we can provide you with the best possible lens for your lifestyle.

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    Email us with general questions and comments. For serious eye care questions, please call us or schedule an appointment online.

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