What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is identical to modern cataract surgery. Both operations involve replacing the natural lens with a synthetic lens implanted through a tiny incision in the eye.
 

The only difference is that cataract surgery is performed mainly to correct blur or light scatter caused by a misty natural lens, whereas RLE is performed to reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
 

Once you have had Refractive Lens Exchange, you will not develop a cataract later in life as artificial lenses cannot get cataracts. We can combine RLE with laser vision correction to correct any residual refractive errorusing a procedure called bioptics.

 

Overview of Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a condition that affects vision by causing the lenses of your eyes to become cloudy. It is an ailment that is a consequence of your natural aging process. As you age, the lenses behind the iris of your eyes may gradually start to get cloudy.

The result is a blurry vision that worsens if you do not receive medical intervention. Solving this problem involves removing the opaque lenses and replacing them with artificial ones.

Differences Between RLE and Cataract Surgery

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is identical to modern cataract surgery. Both operations involve replacing the natural lens with a synthetic lens implanted through a tiny incision in the eye.
 

The only difference is that cataract surgery is performed mainly to correct blur or light scatter caused by a misty natural lens, whereas RLE is performed to reduce the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

 

Differences Between RLE and LASIK Surgery

Both LASIK and RLE are types of refractive eye surgery. Meaning they are procedures to correct refractive errors.
 

During RLE, your surgeon will make an incision to replace your lens with an artificial one. Whereas with LASIK, will use laser technology to reshape your cornea to improve your vision.
 

LASIK is a popular choice for correcting myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Though, RLE may be better suited for patients above the age of 50 as it would treat any refractive error including presbyopia and prevent any age-related cataracts from forming later in life.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Procedure

Refractive lens exchange is a type of lens replacement surgery. The RLE procedure usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
 

The lens isn’t visible to others in the way a contact lens can be, and you won’t be able to feel it in your eye. There are different types of lenses available, for example, monofocal and multifocal lenses. 
 

With monofocal lenses, you can choose either near or distance vision, not both. Though, we can place a near lens in one eye and a distance lens in the other for some patients (this is called monovision). Monofocal plus lens (also known as premium monofocal lens) give an increased range of vision than standard monofocal lenses.
 

A multifocal lens offers a higher chance of independence from glasses/contacts with near and distance vision. In this category, there are trifocal and EDOF lenses. These are quite popular, as they provide near, intermediate, and distance vision.
 

Toric lenses are available to correct astigmatism and reduce any distortions you may be experiencing. Monofocal and multifocal lenses are available with toric lenses incorporated in them to correct any astigmatism you have.

For more on refractive lens surgery and cataract surgery, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at our offices in Chino, Irvine, Orange, or Long Beach, California. You can call (888) 501-4496 to book an appointment today.