Refractive Lens Exchange

If you’re finding it difficult to focus on nearby objects, relying heavily on reading glasses, or struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) at Southwest Eye Care might be the solution you’ve been seeking.

Are You Experiencing Vision Challenges

What is a Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange is a surgical procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This advanced technique aims to correct refractive errors, enhancing your vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses. RLE is particularly beneficial for individuals over 40 experiencing presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) or those with early signs of cataracts.

You might be an ideal candidate for RLE if you:

• Are aged 40 or older.

• Experience nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

• Wish to reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

• Have early-stage cataracts or Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome.

A comprehensive eye examination at Southwest Eye Care will determine if RLE is the right choice for you.

Who is a Good Candidate for RLE?

How does Refractive Lens Exchange work?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a precise surgical procedure designed to improve vision by replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial Intraocular lens (IOL). Here’s how it works:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation:

Before the procedure, your eye doctor performs a detailed examination to assess your eye health and determine the best type of IOL to suit your vision needs and lifestyle.

2. Preparing for Surgery:

On the day of surgery, anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience. You may also receive a mild sedative to help you relax.

3. Lens Removal:

Using advanced technology, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the cornea. The natural lens of the eye is gently removed, typically using an ultrasound device or laser to break it into small pieces for easy extraction.

4. Lens Replacement:

Once the natural lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is carefully implanted in its place. The type of IOL chosen—monofocal, multifocal, or toric—depends on your specific vision correction needs.

5. Post-Procedure Recovery:

The incision is self-healing and typically does not require stitches. Most patients notice significant improvements in vision within a few days, though full recovery may take a few weeks. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.

What to expect during procedure?

On the day of your RLE procedure:

1. Preparation: You’ll receive anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye and a mild sedative to help you relax.

2. Procedure: A small incision is made in the cornea. The natural lens is gently removed using advanced techniques, and the selected IOL is implanted in its place.

3. Recovery: The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes per eye. Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, with minimal discomfort.

Are there any risks?

Most post-surgery complications are low-risk and easily treatable. If a complication does arise, it is most commonly a posterior capsule opacification (PCO), or the slight thickening of the lens capsule due to a regrowth of the cells. This is not a new cataract because cataracts cannot grow back. However, this thickening can cause slight blurriness and sensitivity to bright lights. The cloudiness can be corrected with a procedure called a YAG Laser capsulotomy, where the surgeon uses a laser to make a small hole... in the back of the lens, allowing light to pass through to the retina. PCO is relatively uncommon, affecting only about 20% of laser or cataract surgery patients.

Learn more at Southwest Eye Care.

Take the first step toward clearer vision by scheduling a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologists. At Southwest Eye Care, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique vision goals.

Schedule An Appointment

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

RLE is a surgical procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial Intraocular lens (IOL) to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contacts.
How is RLE different from LASIK?

LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, while RLE replaces the natural lens to address more severe refractive issues, presbyopia, or early cataracts.
Is RLE safe?

Yes, RLE is a well-established procedure with high success rates. It’s performed by experienced ophthalmologists using advanced technology to ensure safety and precision.
Who is a good candidate for RLE?

RLE is ideal for adults over 40 with presbyopia, early cataracts, or refractive errors who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. To know more, Watch Video.
Can I have RLE if I’ve had LASIK or cataract surgery?

Yes, you may still be eligible for RLE. A thorough eye exam will determine the best approach based on your eye health.
Can RLE correct astigmatism?

Yes, specialised toric Intraocular lenses can correct astigmatism and improve overall vision clarity.
Is the RLE procedure painful?

No, anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye, and most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, but full healing can take a few weeks. Vision improvements are typically noticeable within days.
Will both eyes be treated at the same time?

Usually, one eye is treated at a time, with the second eye treated a week or two later to allow for healing.
How much does RLE cost?

The cost of RLE varies based on the type of lens and individual vision needs. While it’s not typically covered by insurance, financing options are available to make it affordable.
Does insurance cover Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

RLE is considered an elective procedure for vision correction and is typically not covered by insurance. However, if you have early-stage cataracts, some insurance plans may partially cover the procedure.
What financing options are available for RLE?

Many eye care providers, including Southwest Eye Care, offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make RLE affordable. These may include monthly payment plans through third-party financing companies. Contact us to learn more about the options available.