Many people with extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness are not good candidates for laser vision correction because of their high refractive error. For these people, a Refractive Lensectomy with lifestyle lens options may be a wonderful alternative. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the natural, crystalline lens in the eye and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The technique used for the Refractive Lensectomy has been performed for decades on cataract patients with excellent results.

Patients considering this procdure need to be aware that the operation will reduce but not eliminate their need for glasses. Because the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens of fixed-focal length, the eye will lose its natural ability to accommodate - automatically change focus between near and distant points. Patients who undergo a Refractive Lensectomy may still require reading glasses for close work. However, for people with extremely high levels of refractive error - particularly those over 50 who have already lost most of their natural ability to focus at close range - this procedure can be an excellent option. In addition, monovision can be used with a Refractive Lensectomy to allow excellent reading and distance vision without glasses. This procedure offers patients who are ineligible for LASIK a wonderful opportunity to see clearly at near and far without any corrective lenses.