Tired of Readers?
If you’re over 40, are tired of readers, and have been told you don’t qualify for LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be for you.
What is RLE?
RLE is very similar to cataract surgery – but you do not have to have cataracts to experience the benefits. In fact, RLE will prevent the need for future cataract surgery.
RLE removes your eye’s natural eye lens and replaces it with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that is designed specifically to help you achieve the clear vision you want. After a comprehensive evaluation, our team can recommend the right type of IOL to meet your vision requirements (monofocal, multifocal, trifocal, or toric).
RLE at a Glance
ONE EYE AT A TIME
One eye is treated at a time.
ABOUT 15 MINUTES
The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes.
ABOUT ONE WEEK
Plan to allow a week – per eye – to recover from RLE.
Our doctors begin the RLE procedure by applying numbing eye drops to the eye being treated (only one eye is treated during the visit). You remain awake during the procedure with conscious IV sedation; the eye drops numb the sensation of pain for most patients. When the eye is ready, the doctor makes a small incision on the cornea to gently break up and remove the natural lens and insert the new lens. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and the incisions heal naturally without any stitches.
Plan to allow yourself a week to recover from RLE. Your final vision results may take a bit longer to achieve as your vision stabilizes. Your new lens will not be noticeable to other people and you won’t even know it is there – you’ll just be reminded of how great life can be without lenses.
Is There a Difference Between Farsightedness & Poor Reading Vision?
True farsightedness (hyperopia)
True farsightedness (hyperopia) is the result of the eye being shorter or having a flatter cornea so light entering the eye focuses behind the retina. This causes blurry vision for reading and performing other up-close tasks.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the term for how the eye lenses begin to age after age 40. With each passing year, the eye lenses become a little less flexible and a little more rigid. This makes it more difficult for the lenses to flex enough to focus on things like text messages, restaurant menus, medicine bottles, and more – especially in low light.
Am I a Candidate for RLE?
RLE isn’t only for people who can't see up close. RLE can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.
You might be a candidate for RLE if you:
- Are over age 40 experiencing presbyopia or age-related vision changes
- Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Have farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism who may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK
- Were told you are at risk for cataracts and want to prevent future cataract surgery
- Want a long-term vision correction solution with lifestyle convenience
- Have overall good eye health with realistic expectations about results
- Are frustrated by reading glasses, bifocals or constantly switching eyewear throughout the day
Find Out If RLE May Be Right for You
Take our Vision Correction Self-Evaluation to learn which vision correction options may match your age, prescription, and goals.
Prefer to speak with our team? Schedule a Screening.