Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as clear lens exchange is a highly precise surgical method of replacing the natural lens of the eye with an intraocular lens (IOL), this is not changing the lens of the eye but replacing it entirely. Conditions such as extreme farsightedness, nearsightedness, or presbyopia (blurred near vision due to the hardening of the lens due to age) can be corrected with this procedure while other surgeries such as LASIK cannot. Refractive lens exchange is an alternative to laser vision correction and is surgically very similar to cataract surgery.

The Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange Include:

• Quick Recovery
• Can help you see both near and far
• Major decrease of dependency on corrective lenses
• Prevents any future development of cataracts
• Enhanced vision
• Permanent solution that lasts 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®, Vivity®, Synergy® multifocal lenses, and Toric astigmatism correcting lenses.

Refractive Lens Exchange is Ideal for Patients Who

• Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Are over 45 years old
• Have high myopia (nearsightedness), high hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia and/or astigmatism, with or without cataracts
• Have early symptoms of cataracts

Many patients with extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness are not candidates for LASIK, and seek vision correction through refractive lens exchange.

Refractive lens exchange is performed on an outpatient basis and uses the same techniques as cataract surgery. Instead of removing a cloudy lens, the goal of this procedure is to reduce a patient’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses by replacing the natural lens with a corrective lens.

Learn More about Near Vision Decline

The Procedure

Local anesthesia is applied to the eyes to minimize discomfort during this procedure. The natural lens is removed through a tiny incision less than 3mm and replaced with an IOL that is inserted through the same incision. Once inserted, the lens unfolds and moves into its permanent position in the eye. There are usually no stitches needed as the incisions can heal themselves. The refractive lens exchange procedure takes less than 20 minutes to perform and offers patients significant 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. Many report immediate improvements to their vision, and vision will continue to improve as the brain adapts to the new lens. Once your vision has stabilized, it will likely stay the same over time as the lenses correct vision and also prevent the patient from developing cataracts in the future. The second eye is usually treated within a few weeks after the first procedure.

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.

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. The doctor will discuss these risks with the patient, along with the benefits of the procedure, before deciding if refractive lens exchange is right for the patient. Patients can minimize these risks by choosing an experienced doctor to perform their procedure.

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.

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.

Refractive Lens Exchange FAQs