Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

RLE is the removal of the natural lens of the eye and replacement with an intraocular lens that may help you see at distance, intermediate, and near ranges. This is actually the same procedure that is performed for cataracts.

After the age of 40, the lens in the eye starts to become dysfunctional, ultimately making it difficult for most people to read up close. This is a process known as presbyopia, and by age 50 the majority of people experience significant blurring at near. Refractive lens exchange, or RLE, involves the removal of the dysfunctional natural lens of the eye and replacement with an intraocular lens (IOL). There are many different types of IOLs, and your surgeon will discuss all of the options available to you. RLE can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.Recovery from RLE takes a little bit longer than LASIK. You can expect your vision to be blurry for the first week, and then it should improve. Depending on the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may require a LASIK enhancement afterwards for your absolute best vision.  

• ‍What is it?‍
  • RLE is the removal of the natural lens of the eye and replacement with an intraocular lens that may help you see at distance, intermediate, and near ranges. This is actually the same procedure that is performed for cataracts. ‍
• Who is it for?‍
  • After the age of 50, laser refractive surgery is not a great option because of the onset of presbyopia. Therefore, RLE is ideally suited for patients who desire freedom from their glasses over the age of 50.  ‍
• Who is it not for?‍
  • RLE is typically not for patients under the age of 40.  ‍
• What are the risks?‍
  • Because this is an intraocular surgery, there are different risks than LASIK. There is a risk of infection, damage to the cornea, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. While these are rare, you will need to be monitored for these conditions over time. ‍
• Where is the surgery performed?‍
  • RLE is done on each eye 1-2 weeks apart at Vision One Surgery Center in Exton, PA. ‍
• What is the recovery?‍
  • Recovery from RLE takes a little bit longer than LASIK. You can expect your vision to be blurry for the first week, and then it should improve. Depending on the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may require a LASIK fine tune afterwards for your absolute best vision.  

To discuss whether PRK or Refractive Lens Exchange would be right for you, please call us at (610) 696-1230 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.