Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

is a surgical procedure designed to correct vision problems by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It’s often recommended for individuals with significant refractive errors—such as severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism—or those with presbyopia, where the eye’s lens loses flexibility with age.
The benefits of RLE are mainly functional. It is designed to make one less dependent on eyeglasses and contact lenses, leading to a more comfortable, convenient and active lifestyle.
The effect of RLE goes a long way, too. It likewise eliminates the need for a cataract surgery later on in life. Usually for patients in the retirement age group, in whom that seek vision enhancement, RLE is often preferred oppose to laser vision correction.
Furthermore, almost all levels of hyperopia and myopia can be corrected by RLE.
Following RLE, good vision normally remains good, provided no new eye condition arise, while prescription likewise stays stable
If one turns out ineligible for LASIK due to higher than normal range of eye prescription, RLE is a normally a highly-recommended alternative. On average, patients who seek RLE are mostly over 45 years of age.
Here are some signs to be observed to see if one might be an ideal candidate for RLE:
  • Astigmatism
  • Difficulty with reading
  • A difficulty with distance vision
  • Those who don’t qualify for laser vision correction like LASIK due to being too farsighted or too nearsighted
  • Diagnosed with a significant cataract condition
  • Those who notably noticed, impaired depth perception, increased color distortion and decreased night vision

Which Intraocular Lens is
Right for You?

There are different types of intraocular lens (IOL) that can be implanted into the eye and each of them presents different capabilities. The IOLs available for RLE or Cataract Surgery are Multifocal, Monofocal, Multifocal-Toric and Monofocal-Toric lenses.

Choosing the right IOL depends on your lifestyle. Recent advancements in IOL technology now address a broader range of vision issues. These advanced lenses can enhance your ability to see up close, at a distance, and sometimes even at intermediate ranges.

Before recommending an IOL, your surgeon will carefully review the results of your comprehensive eye exam. Together with our doctor, you can consider and determine which lens best suits your visual requirements and daily activities.

What RLE can correct

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)? We’ve got answers!
Our FAQ section to learn about eligibility, procedure details, recovery time, and costs. Discover how Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) can improve your vision and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. For any additional queries, feel free to contact our team.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) implantation should not prevent any other eye procedure that a patient might need in the future, if necessary. Age related eye problems that may eventually occur can be monitored and treated normally.
RLE can both reduce the need for glasses and remove any risk of future problems due to angle closure. This is because IOLs are thinner than the natural lens. So RLE or cataract surgery creates more space for fluid circulation in the front of the eye.
It is proven to be a very safe procedure. Actually, studies and proven instances showed that RLE is even much safer than wearing contact lenses.
It is because visual problems being encountered by younger people can normally be fixed with less invasive techniques, compared to older people.
Laser is used for RLE. When it comes to all lens surgery, the most critical part is creating an incision in the eye. An advanced laser incision technology is used and trusted to minimize the slit size and also enhance healing process.
Basically, patients don’t actually encounter any discomfort during the RLE Procedure, just like in Cataract Surgery. Since the procedure is bound to be performed under a topical or local anesthesia, a patient is provided a relaxing sedative intravenously.
While mild irritation symptoms are typical in the first 24 hours after the surgery, they are expected to eventually subside.
While there may be side effects, they are minimal to none. Some patients may experience temporary blurring for a few days and sensitivity to light for a few weeks.
It really depends on what type of lens was implanted into your eyes. Those who chose to implant monofocal lenses will have to wear glasses for either distance, or up close work for that matter, given that monofocal lenses are designed to focus only at one distance.
As for those with an implanted multifocal lenses with a broader range of vision, glasses are most often not needed anymore.
A plastic shield to the eye is required to be worn for around five days for protection during sleeping hours. Scratching or the eyes is likewise to strictly be avoided. Swimming is also prohibited for around a month after the surgery while showering should be allowed with care.
Yes, it is. There are times that the lens capsule closes around the implanted new lens, causing a change in the focusing range. In this case, a second surgical procedure to either replace or adjust the lens may be required. Then, an additional procedure is possible.
Yes, it does. Since RLE removes a clear lens and replaces it with an artificial substitute already, a patient who undergoes the procedure is bound to not have cataract anymore.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)