Lens Replacement refers to replacing the natural crystalline lens that sits behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). This can be a great option for those wanting to be free from reading glasses, and those with large prescriptions (especially those who are very farsighted). Lens Replacement is essentially cataract surgery before cataracts ever develop!
Lens Replacement is also called RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange).
Here is an overview of the process but it’s important to know the specifics of your surgical plan may vary.
Refractive Lens Exchange is a vision-correction procedure that replaces your natural lens with a permanent artificial lens implant (IOL) with special technology to eliminate need for glasses or contacts. It’s nearly identical to modern cataract surgery but performed before a cataract develops while the eye is still in a stage called lens dysfunction. The new lens can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and lens dysfunction, giving you clear vision at all distances.
RLE is ideal for adults over 40 who want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and are noticing difficulty with reading or focusing up close. It’s especially helpful for those with lens dysfunction (aka presbyopia). It can also be used in younger people who are not good candidates for EVO ICL, LASIK, PRK, or SMILE due to certain anatomy or high prescriptions.
We perform Lens Replacement using an extremely precise laser. The laser part takes only 60 seconds and the lens replacement part only takes 6 minutes per eye, performed under light anesthesia and numbing drops. Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours, though vision continues to sharpen over a week or two. Discomfort is minimal, and patients resume normal activities quickly.
Essentially, yes! The technique is almost identical. The difference is that in RLE, the natural lens hasn’t become cloudy, and it’s replaced proactively to correct vision and elminate the need for glasses, readers, and/or bifocals. Lens Replacement also prevents cataracts from forming later! You can think of RLE as cataract surgery before you get a cataract with the added benefit of customizable vision options. You can start enjoying your new vision early!
There are several advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) to choose from:
Multifocal or trifocal lenses (like Odyssey, Envy, or PanOptix Pro) for distance, intermediate, and near.
Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses for a broader, smoother range of vision with less glare.
We will recommend an option based on your goals, eye health, and lifestyle.
Most patients achieve excellent vision without glasses for most activities, especially with multifocal lenses. However, fine print or very dim lighting might still require a light pair of reading glasses occasionally. Your outcome depends on lens choice, eye anatomy, and preexisting conditions such as astigmatism or dry eye. Our goal is to help you be free from glasses for the majority of circumstances.
Yes! RLE is permanent, since your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one that does not age or become cloudy. While it’s technically possible to exchange an implant, it’s rarely necessary. The new lens won’t ever wear out, and you’ll never develop a cataract!
RLE is extremely safe, using the same techniques as cataract surgery performed millions of times each year. As with any eye procedure, there is a small risk of infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, or glare/halos with certain lens types. We minimize these risks through proper lens selection, use of state-of-the-art lasers, and expert technique.
RLE is not covered by insurance since they consider it an elective surgery. The cost is a few thousand dollars per eye, depending on the lens technology. We offer HSA/FSA and financing options, and many patients consider it a one-time investment since it prevents future cataract surgery and provides new vision for life!
Vision improves rapidly, often the next day, and most patients resume work and daily tasks within 1-2 days. Light sensitivity or mild halos can occur early on but fade with healing. Drops are used for about a month, and strenuous exercise or swimming should be avoided for the first week.
Lens replacement generally does not cause dry eye. If you already have dryness from age or contact lens wear, we (or the eye doctor you normally work with) will address it before surgery to ensure comfort and clarity. Some people experience mild halos or glare initially, which usually lessen as the brain adapts.
Results from RLE are permanent. Since the artificial lens doesn’t age or change, your vision remains stable for life. The main long-term benefit is that you’ll never develop a cataract, and you’ll maintain clear, bright vision for decades. Routine eye exams are still important to monitor the health of the rest of your eye.
Yes! RLE is often an excellent choice for patients who have had LASIK, PRK, or SMILE in the past but are now developing the need for readers or bifocals. Modern measurement tools and formulas help us choose the correct lens power even if you’ve had vision correction before!
Lens Replacement completely prevents cataracts, because the natural lens (the part that would become cloudy with age) is replaced with a clear, artificial one with special technology. It also doesn’t interfere with future procedures like glaucoma treatment or retinal care if eventually needed. In fact, many patients never need another major eye surgery again!
We take all the measurements we need for any vision correction procedure at your consultation. It’s important to stay out of soft contact lenses for at least five (5) days and three (3) weeks for rigid contact lenses. If you have special contact lenses, let us know when you schedule your consultation.
We take great care to make sure there is no discomfort at any point of the procedure. We first use a laser to perform some steps of the procedure before moving to a different room where the rest of the procedure is performed. We make two very small openings in the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye), remove the natural crystalline lens, and insert a new lens in the same capsule where the old lens was. Both eyes are completed on the same day and the procedure itself usually takes about 15 minutes.
After the procedure, you will have drops to take and will need to take it easy for a week. This means no lifting, straining, submerging your head in water, or touching/rubbing your eyes. We will see you one day, one week, and one month after surgery.
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