Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

If you require glasses to see clearly, you are either far-sighted, near-sighted, and/or have astigmatism. To put it simply, when your eyes are trying to put things into focus, they are bending light too much, too little, or unevenly.

While laser may be used to neutralize these abnormalities in some patients, not everyone is a good candidate for laser vision correction. For example, if your cornea is too thin, laser vision correction may be unsafe. Or your prescription might be too bad for laser. Also, laser alone often doesn't eliminate the need for glasses in patients over the age of around 50-55.

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This is where Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) comes in. It can correct a much wider range of refractive errors than laser, including presbyopia and astigmatism. The results are usually permanent, improving your vision well into your 70's and 80's (so long as your eye is otherwise healthy). RLE is sometimes referred to as Premium Lens Replacement or Custom Lens Replacement.

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RLE involves replacing the natural lens in your eye with an artificial lens that has your prescription inside of it. The surgery usually takes about 10 minutes per eye and does not hurt.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) FAQ's

Am I awake during RLE?

Sedation is given to help ease anxiety and make you sleepy. The amount of sedation given can be tailored to your needs. Some patients fall asleep from the sedation, while others feel relaxed but don't fall completely asleep.

How long is the recovery?

While many patients can see better within the first 24 hours after RLE, the speed of healing varies from patient to patient. Complete recovery can take a few weeks and up to a couple months.

Does RLE hurt?

Can I see what you're doing during RLE?

For most patients, RLE is painless. The eye is numbed using numbing eye drops and gel.

No. Most patients describe seeing bright light, colors, and shadows during surgery, like a kaleidoscope.