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Home » Services » RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Overview
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Benefits
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Candidacy
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Procedure
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Cost
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FAQ
Overview
|
Benefits
|
Candidacy
|
Procedure
|
Cost
|
FAQ

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as Clear Lens Replacement (CLR) or Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), is a highly precise surgical method of replacing the natural lens of the eye with an intraocular lens (IOL). This does not change the lens of the eye, but instead replaces it.

Conditions such as extreme farsightedness, nearsightedness, or presbyopia (hardening of the lens causing blurred vision as we age) can be corrected with this procedure, while other surgeries such as LASIK cannot. Refractive lens exchange is a customizable solution for laser vision correction, and is a very similar procedure to cataract surgery.

The Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange

  • Quick Recovery
  • See clearly both near, mid, and far distances
  • Gain greater freedom from corrective lenses
  • Prevents any future development of cataracts
  • Customized for your needs
  • Permanent solution that can last a lifetime

Patients who choose to undergo refractive lens exchange have several options when it comes to the IOL that will be implanted into the eye. This procedure uses the same IOLs as cataract surgery and can treat all visual disorders, including astigmatism.

We offer patients the most advanced premium IOLs that allow patients to see clearly at a greater range of distances. Some of the most common IOLs include PanOptix®, RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens, Vivity®, Synergy® multifocal lenses, and Toric astigmatism correcting lenses.

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Candidacy

Refractive Lens Exchange is ideal for patients who:

  • Want more visual freedom with less dependence on glasses and contact lenses
  • Have nearsightedness, farsightedness,  presbyopia, astigmatism, and/or cataracts
  • Are over 45 years old
  • Have early symptoms of cataracts

Many patients with extreme farsightedness (hyperopia) or nearsightedness (myopia) are not candidates for LASIK. However, they can still seek vision correction through refractive lens exchange (RLE).

Refractive lens exchange is performed on an outpatient basis, using the same techniques as cataract surgery. Instead of removing a cloudy lens, the goal of RLE is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses by replacing the natural lens with a corrective lens.

Learn More about Near Vision Decline

The Procedure

During the refractive lens exchange procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the eyes to minimize discomfort. The natural lens of the eye is removed through a tiny incision (less than 3mm in size). Afterwards, it is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) which is inserted through the same incision. Once inserted, the IOL unfolds and moves into its permanent position in the eye. Usually, there are no stitches needed and the incision can heal itself. Most importantly, the procedure takes less than 20 minutes to perform, and offers outstanding vision results within days.

Refractive Lens Exchange Results & Recovery

After refractive lens exchange, patients can return home the same day and can return to work and other regular activities after a day or two. The second eye is usually treated within a few weeks after the first procedure.

Many report immediate improvements to their vision. As the brain adapts to the new lens, vision will continue to improve. Once your vision has stabilized, it will likely stay the same over time as the lens corrects your vision. Additionally, the RLE procedure prevents the patient from developing cataracts in the future.

Refractive Lens Exchange is one of the most permanent and successful eye surgeries that can be performed. Dr. Bansal has offered Refractive Lens Exchange in the San Francisco Bay Area to many people who are now enjoying glasses and contact lens free lifestyles.

Many patients are able to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts after this procedure, while others may still need glasses for driving or reading.

Senior couple sitting together on a bench in the city looking at city map for directions. Mature man and women tourist using city map.
Older woman smiles in a winter landscape as the sunset rises. Older woman happy plays with blurred lights.

Refractive Lens Exchange Risks & Complications

Since refractive lens exchange is a completely different procedure from laser vision correction, its associated risks are different as well. The risks are more similar to cataract surgery and include infection, hemorrhage, visual distortion, retinal detachment, and dryness.

Before your procedure, your RLE surgeon Dr. Bansal will discuss all possible risks and the techniques used to minimize risk. We will also discuss the benefits of your procedure before deciding if refractive lens exchange is right for you. Notably, choosing an experienced doctor to perform your procedure is a crucial way to minimize procedure risks.

2 Year Financing

RLE should be affordable for everyone. With 24-month financing, you can make payments that work for you.

Flex Spending

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, you can save hundreds on RLE.

Cost vs. Risk

As with every surgery, the cost and the risks of RLE should be carefully considered beforehand.

Cost

We know that cost is important to you. That’s why we want to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision about your eyesight. You can save thousands of dollars by ditching your glasses and contacts.

Apply now for RLE financing

Refractive Lens Exchange FAQs

LASIK is permanent and does not wear off. LASIK corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea, which is the outer layer of your eye, to help your eyes better focus light onto the retina (back of the eye). When you near your 40s, your up-close vision starts to become blurry, caused by the decreased flexibility of your eye’s lens. This condition is called Presbyopia, and is not related to or caused by LASIK. This can be treated with by Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), where your natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).

When you are young, the lens inside your eye is extremely flexible and allows you to easily focus on close objects. Over time, the lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition is called Presbyopia and is a normal, natural part of the aging process that happens to everyone, even those who have never needed glasses before.

There are multiple elements within your eyes that contribute to your ability to see clearly. One of the most important is the actual lens that light passes through. In your 20s and 30s, the lens is clear and flexible, meaning that it can flex to focus on objects at different distances. As you enter your 40s, your lens begins to change. This is called Presbyopia results in near vision changes and the need for bifocals and reading glasses.

Our commitment is to help you achieve the best vision possible at each stage of life. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to preserve good quality vision throughout your life, so it is important for an eye doctor to monitor the health of your eyes on a regular basis.

At the time of your evaluation we will do a thorough assessment of your visual needs and the optics of your eye. Based on the evaluation, we will recommend the technology that will give you the best possible results.

The goal of these treatments is to reduce your need for glasses and contact lenses in as many situations as possible. There may be some specific visual needs where you may benefit from glasses or contact lenses.

One of the biggest benefits of RLE is that after you have had the procedure, you will never develop cataracts as your natural lens will be removed during the RLE procedure.

When you are young, the lens inside your eye is extremely flexible and allows you to easily focus on close objects. Over time, the lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition is called Presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-pee-ah) and is a normal, natural part of the aging process that happens to everyone, even those who have never needed glasses before.

Services

RLE Doctors

Jay Bansal, MD
Jay Bansal, MD
Swati Singh, MD
Swati Singh, MD
Hannah Walsh, OD
Hannah Walsh, OD
Francesca Sefton, OD
Francesca Sefton, OD

Ready to SEE a Change?

Helping you to achieve your personal best vision is our mission at LaserVue Eye Center. Wondering where to start?

Please complete the fields on the right to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our eye doctors! You can also Call 1-800-527-3745 to speak with our staff.

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