
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
- Nearsightedness
- Farsigedness
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (Reading)
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

The patient is docked on the table and then, numbing drops are administered. It may be conducted with or without sedation, depending on the patient or doctor’s preferences. With proper docking, there will be lesser intraocular pressure, resulting to an excellent eye mapping and accurate laser focus.

Patient is positioned under the femto laser while measurements are taken. The ophthalmologist can map out the surgical plan that produces a 3-dimensional high-resolution eye images which varies for every patient. The laser dissects the capsular circle without the need for manual incisions as it will perform the incision using the pre-set specifications. The system can follow the eye’s fastest movement which ensures that every laser pulse accurately targets the patient’s cornea. The femtosecond laser will create the previse incisions and assist in the natural lens removal.

Breakage occurs wherein the laser will soften and break the natural lens to smaller pieces. Through the advanced technology used, there is a lower chance of irritating and distorting the incision while the natural lens is being suctioned out of the eye. The natural lens is then segmented into manageable pieces.

The softening of the lens by the laser enables the surgeon to remove the natural lens more gently with significantly less ultrasound energy. This gentle and low energy approach may very well make visual recovery much faster.

Through the same small incision used for phacoemulsification, the surgeon will remove the damaged lens and replace with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) of choice that will restore the patient’s vision.

The IOL gently unfolds into the capsular bag to replace the natural lens completely. Wounds are self-sealing, although use of suture may be necessary in some cases. Our RLE procedure is bound to give you a clear and sharp vision. Expect your vision to stabilize the soonest, especially through laser procedure. Advanced RLE procedures have increased accuracy and precision and have helped lower the risks of complications.