Eye Care Services
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Surgery
RLE uses ultrasound to remove the natural lens of the eye and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL) to minimize the use of glasses and contacts.
Who is a good candidate for RLE?
Refractive Lens Exchange is an excellent procedure for people over age 40-50 who are nearsighted or farsighted, people with early cataract formation, and individuals who want to treat presbyopia with a multifocal implant.
- Any patient over 40-50 with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Those who want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts
- Patients with early clouding of the lens (dysfunctional lens syndrome)
- Patients with early cataracts and refractive errors
- Those who want to treat presbyopia with a multifocal implant
- Anyone looking for an alternative to LASIK
What to expect on surgery day
Refractive Lens Exchange is performed in our in-office surgery suite and only takes about 7 to 10 minutes per eye, with both eyes typically done on the same day. You will receive mild sedation and anesthetic eye drops.
Under an operating microscope, your doctor creates a tiny opening in the eye. The natural lens is gently fragmented and removed using ultrasound (sometimes with the help of a femtosecond laser), and a plastic intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace it. The opening closes without stitches, and vision typically begins to clear within a few days.
Premium IOL packages
We offer a range of IOLs as part of a Premium IOL package that can decrease or eliminate the need for glasses. Each package includes astigmatism correction plus complimentary laser vision correction (LASIK or PRK) if needed after surgery.
Softec HD IOL
A bi-aspheric lens available in 0.25 D increments that improves quality of vision and gives many patients good intermediate vision alongside excellent distance vision.
Monovision IOL
Corrects the dominant eye for distance and leaves the non-dominant eye slightly undercorrected to retain near vision.
Toric Astigmatism IOL
An FDA-approved premium lens implanted during surgery to correct astigmatism by replacing the clouded lens.
Multifocal IOL
Uses diffraction rings to split light into distance and near, expanding your range of vision without monovision.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks associated with RLE?
Any surgical procedure carries inherent risk. Although very uncommon, the risks associated with RLE are similar to those of cataract surgery, including bleeding, swelling, infection, retinal detachment, and capsular opacification. Your doctor will thoroughly explain these risks during your pre-operative consultation.
Is RLE better than LASIK for me?
RLE is a refractive surgery option for patients over 40-50 with presbyopia, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. The only way to determine whether RLE is a better option than LASIK, PRK, or another surgery is to schedule a complimentary consultation at DLV Vision.
Are there downsides to multifocal IOLs?
Some patients notice halos or blurring around lights at night due to the rings on the optic. These symptoms tend to be mild and improve with time. Multifocal IOLs also provide a single clear near point rather than a full range of near vision.
Schedule your complimentary consultation
Call or contact us online to answer any questions and schedule your complimentary RLE consultation at one of our locations today.