Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your eye’s clear natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that permanently corrects your refractive error to achieve sharper focus, thus greatly reducing or entirely eliminating your need for reading glasses or bifocals. Because the procedure is the same as a cataract operation, using a sophisticated, aspheric implant, you can never develop cataracts after having the refractive lens exchange procedure.

‍

In fact, the 10-minute RLE procedure is virtually identical to cataract surgery. First, our eye surgeon employs the latest anesthesia techniques to freeze the eye without using a needle. A microscopic, self-healing incision is made in the cornea, and the most advanced ultrasound technology is used to remove the eye's lens. The defective lens is then replaced with a new foldable artificial lens, which unfolds easily and automatically takes the natural lens's place.

‍

There is no one size fits all solution for every patient, and each type of implant has its advantages and disadvantages regarding the best uncorrected vision it produces at different distances. Your eye surgeon will examine your eyes to recommend the type of lens most suitable for your individual needs.

‍

Within minutes after the surgery, natural processes seal the micro-incision in the cornea. The lens implant remains within your eye without needing further care after surgery.

‍

After refractive lens exchange surgery, it usually takes about a week to resume regular work, driving, and daily activities, as your eyes need this time to heal naturally. After that time, you won’t feel the IOL in your eye because it doesn’t sit on the eye's surface like a contact lens, but rather inside the eye. The artificial IOL is designed to last the rest of your life, with extremely minimal risk of your prescription changing or deteriorating over time.

‍