Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery (RLE)

RLE is also called Clear Lens Exchange or Lens Replacement Surgery. RLE uses an artificial lens placed inside the eye to correct vision because it works with the eye’s natural lens rather than reshaping the cornea.

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

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Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) selected to help correct your vision.

The surgical technique is similar to modern cataract surgery. The major difference is why the procedure is performed. Cataract surgery removes the natural lens that has become cloudy, while RLE can be performed before a significant cataract develops to address refractive errors and age-related changes in focusing. When the natural lens is removed during RLE, it cannot develop a cataract later.

RLE may help correct:

  1. Nearsightedness
  2. Farsightedness
  3. Astigmatism
  4. Presbyopia

 

RLE and Presbyopia After 40

One reason RLE is often considered after age 40 is presbyopia.

Presbyopia happens as the natural lens inside your eye becomes less flexible with age. You may notice yourself holding your phone farther away, needing reading glasses, or having more difficulty switching between near and distance vision.

LASIK can reshape the cornea, but it does not stop the natural lens from aging.

RLE takes a different approach by replacing that aging lens with an artificial lens selected around your visual goals. Modern lens technology can provide options for distance, intermediate, and near vision, depending on the IOL type selected. Research has identified presbyopia as a key reason for considering RLE.

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Who May Be a Candidate for RLE?

Your age, prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and expectations all help determine whether RLE makes sense for you.

1

Presbyopia After 40

If reading small print or seeing up close has become more difficult with age, RLE can help address presbyopia.

2

Strong Prescription

RLE may be an option for people with higher levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, particularly when other vision correction procedures may not be the best fit.

3

You Want To Rely Less On Glasses or Xontacts

If glasses or contacts have become inconvenient in your daily life, RLE can be planned around the distances and activities that matter most to you.

4

LASIK/PRK Is Not A Good Fit

RLE corrects vision by replacing the natural lens rather than reshaping the cornea. It may be considered when LASIK or PRK is not recommended.

5

You’re Interested In a Lens-Based Vision Correction Option

RLE may appeal to adults looking for a lens-based approach to vision correction. Because the natural lens is removed, a cataract cannot develop in the treated lens later.

Schedule a Vision Correction Consultation

A vision correction evaluation can help determine whether RLE, LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, or another option is the best fit for your eyes and vision goals.

Other Vision Correction Options FREE RLE Consultation