Lens replacement (Refractive lens exchange) 2023-10-27T11:42:00-05:00

Over 50? Read again without glasses with lens replacement in Harrisburg

Learn how this treatment can restore your ability to read without glasses and prevent you from developing cataracts
BOOK A FREE APPOINTMENT

Over 50? Read again without glasses with lens replacement in Harrisburg

LEARN HOW THIS TREATMENT CAN RESTORE YOUR ABILITY TO READ WITHOUT GLASSES AND PREVENT YOU FROM DEVELOPING CATARACTS

AS SEEN IN


“Patients feel younger and appreciate their newfound freedom”

IN THIS VIDEO, DR ERIK CHOTINER EXPLAINS HOW PATIENTS FEEL AFTER LENS REPLACEMENT

Be free from the hassle of reading glasses and improve every day

An investment in you lifestyle you can be proud of

See the world through clear eyes

After lens replacement, you’ll be free from glasses, and as an extra bonus, you won’t have to worry about cataract surgery in the future.

Life’s too short to wait

You’ll likely feel victorious, and a little relieved that you decided to correct your vision when you did. Being glasses-free makes our patients feel younger and revitalizes their energy.

Experience life without limitations

Every day will feel like a new exciting exploit. Whether you enjoy bowling, dancing at the local jazz festival or taking pictures of your beautiful family, poor vision, and the hassle of glasses and contact lenses will never spoil your fun again.

Live it up with better vision

You’ll be thrilled that you decided to invest in yourself and make every day better with the amazing natural vision you deserve.

Your only regret will be that you didn’t do it sooner.

See the world through clear eyes

After lens replacement, you’ll be free from glasses, and as an extra bonus, you won’t have to worry about cataract surgery in the future.

Life’s too short to wait

You’ll likely feel victorious, and a little relieved that you decided to correct your vision when you did. Being glasses-free makes our patients feel younger and revitalizes their energy.

Experience life without limitations

Every day will feel like a new exciting exploit. Whether you enjoy bowling, dancing at the local jazz festival or taking pictures of your beautiful family, poor vision, and the hassle of glasses and contact lenses will never spoil your fun again.

Live it up with better vision

You’ll be thrilled that you decided to invest in yourself and make every day better with the amazing natural vision you deserve.

Your only regret will be that you didn’t do it sooner.

Free from reading glasses in 3 easy steps

TRUST US TO EXPERTLY GUIDE YOU TO A LIFE FREE FROM READING GLASSES

Contact us

The first step is to find out if your eyes are suitable to read again without glasses. That’s why we offer a free first appointment. Give us a call on 717-657-2020 or use our easy online calendar to book a free appointment.

We’ll meet

Visit our laser eye surgery center in Harrisburg where we’ll give you a comprehensive eye examination and discuss your lifestyle. You’ll leave with a clear answer about the best treatment option for your eyes.

Be free!

In no time at all, you’ll be free to enjoy the world with brand new eyes . Our patients tell us that every day is better and they wish they’d done it years earlier. Enjoy a new freedom without the hassle of glasses and contacts.


The best way to fix presbyopia if you’re 50-plus

DISCOVER HOW LENS REPLACEMENT FREES YOU FROM THE RESTRAINTS OF READING GLASSES

Lens replacement suitability criteria

Lens replacement surgery is ideal for patients who are diagnosed with:

  • Cataract
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia
  • Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)
  • Short-sightedness (Myopia)
  • Dependence on bifocal, varifocal or multifocal contact lenses or glasses

Lens replacement surgery involves replacing your eye’s clear natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct your prescription to achieve sharper focus, reducing your need for reading glasses or bifocals.

Advantages

The benefit of lens replacement surgery is that it is either the only or the most appropriate procedure for treating certain eye conditions and vision problems. Specifically, it is the best way to fix presbyopia and extreme farsightedness, and in fact, might also be the only way to get clearer vision without still relying on glasses post-surgery. It also has other benefits, such as:

  • Treats or prevents cataracts, astigmatism, presbyopia, long-sightedness, short-sightedness, corneal problems and dry eyes
  • Removes reliance on glasses and other corrective lenses and reduces the headaches and eye strain associated with their use
  • Acts as an alternative for people who are not able to have other corrective eye surgeries for whatever reason

Lens replacement also generally improves eye health and reduces the likelihood that you’ll develop an eye infection. Depending on the specific conditions of your eyes and how they affect you, you might receive only some of these benefits. But these are the most common benefits for lens replacement.

Disadvantages

While lens replacement surgery has great benefits to patients with these conditions, it is not as beneficial to those who have different conditions. There are other potential drawbacks as well, compared to other types of corrective eye surgery:

People with myopia (nearsightedness) are at a greater risk of retinal detachment during lens replacement and should only resort to it if other surgeries are not viable at all.

It is rare but possible that you might have to undergo further treatment post-lens replacement surgery to gain the full benefits to your vision.

Lens replacement surgery is much more expensive than LASIK or other more common types of eye surgery.

Lens replacement risks and complications include:

  • Retinal detachment, especially in extremely nearsighted people
  • Dislocated IOL
  • Increased eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
  • Infection or bleeding inside the eye
  • Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
  • Glare, halos and blurry vision from multifocal IOLs

Lens replacement is a more invasive surgery with a higher risk of complications, compared with other vision correction procedures. But the higher risks may be an acceptable trade-off if you have a severe refractive error and a strong desire to be less dependent on eyeglasses, contact lenses and/or reading glasses.

Lens replacement alternatives include:

  • PRK
  • ICL
  • Reading vision correction

Lens choices

There are three types of IOLs available to replace your natural lens, depending on your vision needs and the health of your eyes. They are:

  • Monofocal fixed-focus IOLs. Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at distance, intermediate or near ranges — but not all three at once. Toric IOLs to correct astigmatism also are classified as monofocal IOLs.
  • Multifocal IOLs. A multifocal lens provides clear vision at multiple distances.
  • Accommodating IOLs. An accommodating IOL is a type of monofocal lens that enables focus at multiple distances by shifting its position in the eye.

Lens replacement surgery usually takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Each eye is done separately, usually about a week apart.

We apply numbing anaesthetic drops to the eyes to prevent any discomfort.

You can usually resume your usual everyday activities such as work and driving a week after your surgery, dependent on your eye surgeon’s instructions.

The final outcome of lens replacement can take up to several weeks, and you may notice vision disturbances such as blurry vision, halos and glare, or a “scratchy” sensation as your eyes heal. Most people report immediate vision improvement after surgery.

Normally, you won’t feel an IOL in your eye, in the same way that you don’t feel a dental filling for a cavity. And since the lens implant is inside your eye and not on the surface like a contact lens, it’s not visible to others.

The artificial intraocular lens is a permanent replacement for your natural lens and is designed to last the rest of your life. Also, there is minimal risk of regression (loss of corrective effect or deterioration of vision) over time

After lens replacement, you will have sharper focus and have significantly reduced if not eliminated your need for reading glasses or bifocals.

Thousands of happy patients in Central PA

we help PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE HARRISBURG COMMUNITY LIVE IT UP WITH BETTER VISION

My wait time was minimal and I was pleased to note the furniture arrangement for social distancing and the sanitation practices in progress. All in all it was a much more relaxing experience than I anticipated and I was impressed by the procedures taken to assure safe practices for the safety of the patients and staff while reducing stress on the patients.

C.J.S.

The doctor and his staff made my cataract surgeries a ‘piece of cake’. I have been coming here since I moved to Harrisburg 37 years ago. Dr. Chotiner performed cataract six years ago and my sight is as good as it was when I was young. As long as the light is reasonable, I do not even need over the counter reading glasses.

Claire B.

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.

S.D.H.

Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.

Vey L.

Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!

Q. B.

I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word……excellent!

Ray J.

As a rookie having my first visit at Memorial Eye in May 2020, I asked for a doctor that was patient and that is exactly what I got in Dr. Kowalski. He took his time and explained my options to me. My testing was extensive and thorough. The staff was very kind and made me feel relaxed during the surgery. A 5 star rating from beginning to end. Well done!

J.E.R.

I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!

J.B.

The staff and doctor were very accommodating. Always on time, if not earlier with appointments. The surgical staff was very attentive to any needs such as extra blankets if needed, and making sure you were comfortable while you waited for your surgery.

Pam C

First time in 78 years I can see well without prescription lenses! I was apprehensive to have any elective surgery during the pandemic with my age and health history. The staff sensed it and made an effort to deal with it very professionally.

W.H.R.

Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!

A. Hendrix

I had my surgery done for a cataract and to correct my astigmatism. I can see better out of the eye that Dr Chotiner performed surgery on without the need for a corrective lens than I can see out of the other eye with my glasses on. The surgery was delayed because of the whole Covid virus closings, but when it was performed it went incredibly well and I could not be happier with the results.

Robin

I was somewhat jittery about returning to the office after the COVID restrictions were lifted. My concerns were put to rest from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by an associate who took my temperature, asked pertinent questions, and offered hand sanitizer, as well as being very friendly. The check in and co-pay payment went equally as smoothly.

C.J.S.

My care for cataract removal was superb. The team in the surgical suite was very organized, efficient, and caring. Their expertise was so excellent. Everyone who works there was very skillful in their work and courteous. Dr. Chotiner is kind and extremely skilled. He was outstanding!

M.V.

Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.

Patricia Scheidler

Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.

A. Lawrence

I am so glad the doctor suggested LRI with my cataract surgery. I had never heard of it but it is amazing how my astigmatism is dissipating slowly and it is the reason I started wearing glasses 30 years ago! Even working around pandemic guidelines everyone is polite and cooperates as a team.

A.A.N.

I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.

Joyce K.

I cannot thank Dr. Chotiner and his staff enough for what they have done for me. I had LASIK here 16 years ago and that was a life changing event for me. Prior to that, my vision was always poor and then (after surgery) it was great. Now I have cataracts and once again, getting the first eye done was a life changing experience.

Richard B.

I was very pleased with the efficiency and professionalism of the staff. You have a well oiled team. Everyone is very thorough. Thanks Dr. Rick and staff.

M.A.B.

I am so happy at how good I can see now. Everyone was very professional and efficient. I feel my Dr is one of the best. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Every one there was just great. Thank you so much.

Glenn C.

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.


Fix your cataracts AND read again without glasses

Many people have cataract surgery without knowing they have different treatment options. Book a free appointment today, and we’ll show you how you can restore clear vision AND free yourself from the hassle of reading glasses


Free yourself from glasses and contacts

Discover if vision correction treatment can give you more confidence and convenience

I want to see glasses-free!

Life’s complicated enough these days. With all I’ve got going on, who’s got time for glasses and contact lenses too? Click here to see if you can become glasses-free…

I hate my reading glasses!

These things aren’t me at all. On, off, on, off… what a huge inconvenience to have to deal with day-in and day-out. Click here to find out if you can ditch your readers…

I have a high prescription and I’m not suitable for laser eye surgery

We offer Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) as an ideal option to get you out of glasses and contact lenses Click here to see the options available


“The world seems so much brighter now”

Our eye doctors answer questions about cataract and lens surgery

our Harrisburg CATARACT specialists give you the straight goods on this highly successful treatment

Could you find more eye surgery quality elsewhere?

Wondering if you could find higher quality eye surgery elsewhere? In this video, Dr. EriK Chotiner illustrates the level of quality eye surgery with the state-of-the-art, comprehensive facilities at the Memorial Eye Institute for all your eye surgery and care needs.

Read More

Academic resources on lens replacement

FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS TREATMENT FROM AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES

A look at better vision - Lens replacement surgery can fix cataracts and eliminate the need for glasses

There is a good chance you wear some kind of glasses. And there is an even greater chance you one day will need cataract surgery. Now you can take care of both problems at once. Click here to read on. 

If you have presbyopia or suffer from severe farsightedness (hyperopia), you may not be a good candidate for some of the more common corrective procedures like PRK, LASIK or phakic IOL surgery. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) to the rescue. Click here to read on.

Refractive lens exchange, also called lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, may be a better option than LASIK, PRK or phakic IOL refractive surgery for people with presbyopia and high hyperopia (farsightedness). Click here to read on.


Voted “Simply the Best” by the Harrisburg community

We are honoured to have received the following community awards

Affiliations and memberships

We’re proud to be members of these prestigious professional organiZations

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

Learn more >

Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

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Dr. Richard M. Kowalski
Dr. Richard M. KowalskiO.D
Dr. Kowalski is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations and contact lenses…

Learn more >

Dr. Kenneth H. Levin
Dr. Kenneth H. LevinM.D. F.A.C.S
Dr. Levin is a specialist in cataract surgery, glaucoma and general ophthalmology

Learn more >

Dr. Bradford K. Sgrignoli
Dr. Bradford K. SgrignoliD.O
Dr. Sgrignoli is a specialist in retina and vitreous disease & surgery, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy…

Learn more >

Dr. Michael J. Silvetti
Dr. Michael J. SilvettiO.D
Dr. Silvetti is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations, contact lenses and low vision consultations…

Learn more >

Dr. Katherine Won
Dr. Katherine WonO.D
Dr. Won is a specialist in comprehensive eye care and contact lenses…

Learn more >

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Camp Hill

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