If you’re tired of wearing glasses or dealing with contacts, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) can be a long-term solution. “We can replace your lens, that’s the lens exchange part of it, and put a customized lens into your eye,” said Dr. Matthew Sharpe of SharpeVision. “You’ll see perfectly, both distance and near, and not need reading glasses and not need distance glasses.” As we age, our natural lens becomes less flexible, leading to vision issues. “As it gets less flexible, everyone has to have glasses for something as they get older, over 45 is about that age,” Dr. Sharpe said. That’s when doctors at SharpeVision can use RLE to provide a permanent solution with an artificial lens. The first step is going for an exam where the team will take measurements of your eyes and explain the procedure. The procedure is later done at SharpeVision’s state-of-the-art surgery center in Bellevue. “It takes about 5 minutes,” Dr. Sharpe said. “It’s painless, and we simply use a laser to make all of the cuts and everything in there.” The artificial lens goes in your eye through a tiny incision and stays there the rest of your life. Patients are often in and out within an hour on procedure day. “It’s one and done,” Dr. Sharpe said. “There’s no astigmatism, near sightedness, far sightedness or reading glasses.” Dr. Sharpe says there’s little risk with RLE, and the team has follow-ups with patients to ensure everything goes smoothly. “We do just eye surgery, and we have the latest equipment,” he said. “Our surgery center is about 18 months old and outfitted just for eye patients.” In addition to its location in Bellevue, SharpeVision has a new Renton location. The team is excited to begin serving the South Sound. Learn more about the practice and Refractive Lens Exchange on the SharpeVision website. Sponsored by SharpeVision Modern Lasik & Lens. Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.