Refractive lens exchange, often called RLE, is a surgical procedure very similar to modern cataract surgery. It is designed to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
During the procedure, the natural lens inside your eye is permanently replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The main difference between RLE and cataract surgery is that RLE is performed to change the eye’s refractive power, whereas cataract surgery is done primarily to remove a cloudy lens.
The procedure involves making a tiny incision in the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) to access the lens. The natural lens is then gently broken up using ultrasound and removed. Following this, the new, clear artificial lens is folded and inserted through the same incision. Once inside the eye, it unfolds into its permanent position.
There are different types of IOLs available, such as monofocal lenses (which correct vision for one distance, usually far away) and multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses (which can provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses for both near and far activities). We would discuss which type of lens is most suitable for your eyes and lifestyle goals.
The surgery is typically quick, usually taking about 15-20 minutes per eye, and is performed as a day procedure. If both eyes need surgery, they are usually treated on separate days. Recovery is generally quite fast, with many people noticing an improvement in their vision within a few days.