Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure for improving vision that can correct many refractive errors.
RLE, also known as lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, is a procedure where the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL). It is used to correct refractive errors such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
It may be an option if you are not a suitable candidate for traditional Laser Vision Correction techniques, and you are experiencing the age-related condition called presbyopia.
This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, but instead of treating a cloudy lens, RLE is performed to improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Types of IOLs
There are a number of different types of IOLs that can be used for RLE depending on your visual goals and unique eye configuration. Options include monofocal lenses (which correct for distance vision only), multifocal lenses (which correct for both distance and near vision), and toric lenses (which correct astigmatism). Find out more about IOLs here.
Your eye doctor will discuss these options with you, and customise a solution that best suits your visual goals and unique eye health. Recovery is generally quick, with many patients noticing an improvement in vision within days.
Benefits of RLE
RLE has many of the same lifestyle benefits as Laser Vision Correction including:
- Visual freedom – reduced dependency on glasses
- Ability to correct an extensive range of prescriptions including astigmatism
- Permanent vision correction – a single permanent investment in your vision
- Cataracts cannot develop on an artificial lens, so RLE removes any future need for cataract surgery
- A range of IOL options are available meaning RLE can be used to improve distance, middle and near vision depending on your visual goals
- Fast visual recovery – similar to Laser Vision Correction
- It is performed as day surgery with no overnight hospital stay
