PRELEX Lens Exchange

PRELEX is an acronym for presbyopic lens exchange. Presbyopia is the progressive condition that reduces the ability to read when we pass age 40. Prelex uses modern cataract microsurgical techniques to remove the natural lens and replace it with a multifocal intraocular lens. This lens allows vision at both distance and near.

PRELEX candiates include:

Advanced cataract patients who wish to be less dependent on glasses for both near and far tasks after their cataract surgery.
Farsighted patients outside the range of LASIK.
Patients wanting independence from glasses that have mild cataracts but have been denied LASIK because of the cataracts.
Presbyopic patients with no cataracts who do not want monovision but want independence from distance as well as near glasses.

Cataract surgery is primarily concerned with restoring good vision with glassses by removing the cloudy cataract. PRELEX is primarily concerned with removing the natural lens so a multifocal lens will allow reduced dependency on glasses.

Is PRELEX for everyone?

No. Dr. Allen will discuss advantages and disadvantages with you at your consultation. Together we will decide if PRELEX is a good choice for you.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

You will need to arrange transportation to and from the surgery center on the day of your procedure. You will not be able to drive yourself. You will be expected to arrive 1 - 2 hours prior to surgery. Do not eat breakfast. An IV will be places. Numerous eye drops will be applied. When you arrive in the surgical suite, the anesthesia doctor will apply oxygen, and heart and blood pressure monitors. You will then receive an IV sedative and local anesthesia will be delivered while you sleep for 30 - 90 seconds. When you awake, you will be covered with a drape. Your non-operative eye will be closed. You will hear Dr. Allen talking but feel no discomfort. You will not be able to see the surgery being performed. The procedure itself will take approximately 10 minutes. You will be in the surgical suite approximately 30 minutes. A patch will be applied to your eye. Dr. Allen will remove the patch in his office at your post-operative appointment.

How fast will my vision recover?

We all heal differently. All eyes have some degree of swelling and mild inflammation post-opertively. Eye drops are used for several weeks as these conditions resolve. Most patients are healed by three weeks post-surgery. However remember that you will need both eyes to have multifocal lenses and the adjustment peiod (3 to 6 months) completed before you will be fully able to assess your success. The second eye is usually performed two weeks after the first eye.

Will any other procedure need to be performed?

Possibly. While complex software calculations help us determine the power of your introcular lens, there are still some individual variations. If you have mild post-operative nearsightedness, farsightendess, or astigmtism, Dr. Allen may perform laser vision correction or limbal relaxing incisions to optimize your results.

Also, the capsular bag often becomes cloudy months to years after surgery. If this cloudiness interferes with your vision a YAG laser posterior capsulotomy will be performed to restore clarity (This is a painless outpatient laser procedure, that most insurances cover).

If I have PRELEX will I need cataract surgery when I get older?

No.

Are there Surgical Risks with PRELEX?

In general the risks of severe vision loss are less than 1/1000. They are essentially the same as in cataract surgery.

One additional risk is not adjusting to your new vision system. It is rare, but on occasion a patient may request that the multifocal lens be exchanged for a traditional monofocal lens. Of course if the monofocal implant is set for distance, the patient would be dependent on readers.

Why Choose Dr. Allen?

Dr. Allen has performed thousands of cataract procedures and over 25,000 vision correction procedures. He will provide personalized care and answer all your questions.

Does Insurance Usually Pay for PRELEX?

If you have no cataract present, insurance will not cover the procedure. If you have cataracts your medical insurance will usually cover the traditional costs of cataract surgery (surgery fees,anesthetic and facility fees).

The cost of the multifocal lens, and specialized evaluation for PRELEX is not covered by insurance. Excellent financing options are provided, including zero down and zero percent interest.

Ready to take the next step! Schedule your FREE Vision Correction Evaluation with Dr. Allen to learn which refractive procedure is best for you. Dr. Allen will answer all your questions and help you make the right decision. You'll also learn about our financing plans while you're here.

Not ready to schedule but want to learn more?

Click the register button to have our Vision Correction Counselor call you.

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