J. Rex Parent, M.D.

Selected by his peers as one of the “Best Doctors in America©” and one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. Dr. Parent is a nationally recognized board-certified ophthalmologist, specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. The Eye Center of Fort Wayne was the first center to offer Refractive Lens Exchange in Northeast Indiana. The procedures are performed in The Eye Surgical Center of Fort Wayne which is Northeast Indiana’s first governmentally approved ambulatory eye surgical center devoted exclusively to eye care.

Eye surgery patients from across the country come to Fort Wayne based on Dr. Parent’s reputation. If you would like to explore your options for refractive surgery request a free screening or call us at (800) 393-7874 to schedule an appointment.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

The limitation of LASIK and ASA is the likely need for reading glasses for patients over 40 years of age.  RLE is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses and contact lenses, for both distance and near vision. RLE involves removing the lens from within the eye, just like cataract surgery. The lens is replaced with a multifocal lens implant, which helps tecnis-multicorrect both distance and near vision. Therefore, RLE may be the procedure of choice for:

  • Patients who are over the age of 40 and wish to reduce their dependency on bifocals or reading glasses, as well as correct their distance vision;
  • Individuals who already show signs of cataracts;
  • Patients who are not good candidates for laser vision correction due to high prescriptions, thin corneas, dry eye syndrome or other factors.

CatalysThe procedure consists of numbing the eye with drops, followed by removing the lens from the eye with an ultrasound-vacuum device though a micro-incision.  A Femtosecond laser can be used to increase precision of the procedure by creating more exact surgical incisions and correcting astigmatism.  A foldable multifocal implant is then inserted through the micro-incision. The procedure is often completed in 10-15 minutes.  The recovery time is very rapid, usually within a few days.  Only one eye is done at a time, but the second eye can be done within a week or two.

Dr. Parent discussing Refractive Surgery Options on PBS

Host – Mark Evans              Guest – J. Rex Parent, MD, Jessica Hoag

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