Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a highly advanced vision correction procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) for the purpose of improving your vision without glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is known by several other names, such as Refractive Lens Replacement (RLR), Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), or Clear Lens Exchange (CLE). All of these names are in reference to the same procedure.
Our eyes function similarly to a camera. Within our eye, we have a natural lens that helps to focus light onto the “film” of our eye known as the retina. Glasses and contact lenses can help aid with this focusing ability. Before the age of 40 our natural lens is able to work like an auto-focus camera to provide a fuller range of vision from distance to near. Over time, this ability of our lens to change its focus point from far to near decreases making reading glasses or bifocals necessary to see things within arms length [close]. Eventually, the optical quality of our natural lens degrades, further resulting in decreased distance as well as reading vision.. This loss of focusing ability and/or optical quality is known as Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome (DLS).
RLE works by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL), thereby curing Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome (DLS). These intraocular lenses (IOLs) do not change quality or focus over time, resulting in a permanent form of vision correction! The procedure will also prevent future cataracts, which is a cloudy natural lens.
At Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), using modern laser technology and the most advanced lens options to help our patients achieve the best vision for their particular eyes and lifestyle.
Wondering about pricing? Check out our detailed cost breakdown here.
There is no perfect lens implant. There are several styles of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available. Each has their own benefits. At Clearview, we are not beholden to a single manufacturer. We use any and all available lenses depending on a patient’s eyes and lifestyle.
Monofocal Lenses – Provides the highest quality of vision with a limited range of vision (usually distance vision up to arms length). Monofocal lenses can be used to achieve blended vision (previously known as monovision) to increase one’s range of vision without glasses by having one eye set for distance and one for near vision. There is a subset of monofocal lenses called monofocal plus or intermediate-optimized lenses that attempt to provide marginally improved vision at an intermediate range (~26 inches) without compromising quality of vision. Our most commonly used monofocal lenses are the Tecnis (including the Eyhance) and the enVista platform.
Extended Depth‑of‑Focus (EDOF) - Provides an increased range of vision from distance to intermediate (computer distance). May have less halo or glare compared to a multifocal lens at the expense of some near vision. Our most commonly used EDOF lenses are the Symfony and Vivity.
Multifocal Lenses – Offers a full range of vision in each eye, reducing the need for distance, computer, or reading glasses. These lenses may come with halos around bright lights at night (headlights/streetlights), glare and a starburst effect. Our most commonly used multifocal lenses are the Odyssey, Envy, and PanOptix Pro.
Toric Lenses – Corrects higher amounts of astigmatism to increase independence from glasses. Toric lenses can be monofocal, EDOF, or multifocal. All of the above lenses come in a toric version depending on one’s level of pre-operative astigmatism.
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) - The LAL is uniquely different from the other IOLs. It is an adjustable monofocal lens that can be used to correct one’s astigmatism. Any unpredicted differences in the way one heals after surgery that results in a prescription can be corrected with use of a. UV light treatment to fine-tune the “prescription” of the lens and improve the quality of one’s vision without glasses. Typically patients opt for “blended vision” using the LAL in order to achieve freedom from both distance and reading glasses. Patients are able to “test drive” their vision after each adjustment and iterative adjustments can be made according to one’s desires. Patients are provided UV-protective glasses and sunglasses after surgery to wear while awaiting adjustments and lock-ins. Ultimately, the lens is “locked in” once the adjustment process is complete and UV-protective glasses are no longer needed after that point. Treatments are usually initiated after one month of healing, with most patents being “locked in” by two months. This waiting period is up to three months for patients with a history radial keratotomy (RK).
You may be a good candidate for a refractive lens surgery if you are over 40 and the lens inside your eye is causing you to experience difficulty reading small print. Suddenly, your arms may not be long enough. And reading glasses are needed. As time progresses, the distance vision may also become affected and you are wearing glasses when you never needed them before or your prescription has changed. These lens changes are known as dysfunctional lens syndrome. Replacing your natural lens with an intraocular lens implant may be the option you are looking to restore your vision.
You may also be eligible for refractive lens exchange if you have extreme farsightness [hyperopia] or mild nearsightedness [myopia]. If your cornea is too thin for laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK, a refractive lens exchange may be possible to help you reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and/or contact lenses.
A refractive lens exchange prevents cataracts as the natural lens which is the source of the cloudiness in a cataract has already been removed. Once a refractive lens exchange is performed the prescription is a long term vision correction solution for eliminating the need for glasses.
This procedure is typically for people over the age of 40, and only in select cases at younger ages.
RLE surgery is essentially cataract surgery done earlier before the natural lens turns cloudy. By replacing the natural (but now dysfunctional) lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens implant that can restore your focus without the need for glasses. This is an outpatient surgery that takes about 20 minutes, and it’s typically done one week apart for each eye.
Before your Refractive Lens Replacement Eye Surgery, our experienced doctors will obtain a history of as well as perform a detailed eye exam to evaluate your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle preferences. We will determine the best intraocular lens (IOL) option for you, whether it’s a monofocal, multifocal, or toric lens.
At ClearView Eyes, we offer premium intraocular lenses customized to each patient’s needs:
The Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye. The process includes:
Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery offers a permanent solution for clearer vision and aging eyes. Ideal for those over 40, it’s safe, effective, and quick. Explore the step-by-step process below.
Eliminates the Need for Glasses or Contacts. With Refractive Lens Replacement Surgery, you no longer have to rely on reading glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. Patients with presbyopia and extreme farsightedness achieve sharp, natural vision at multiple distances.
Permanent Vision Correction. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) permanently replaces the natural lens, providing lifelong clarity without regression.
Prevents Cataracts. Since the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, cataracts can no longer form. This means Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery not only improves vision but also eliminates the need for future cataract surgery.
Customizable Lens Options. Patients can choose between a variety of fixed intraocular lenses or a Light Adjustable Lenses, tailored to their vision needs. Whether you want clear distance vision, reduced dependence on glasses, or correction for astigmatism, we have the right solution for you.
Quick Recovery & Minimal Downtime. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, with full recovery in about 2-4 weeks. ClearView Eyes provides comprehensive post-operative care to ensure a smooth healing process.
The main reason our prescription changes and we start needing glasses as we get older is the natural lens slowly losing its ability to focus. When that lens is replaced with a better-focusing artificial lens, your prescription becomes far more stable. For most people, this correction lasts for life.
Because the natural lens is replaced, the new lens also can’t turn cloudy, so you won’t develop cataracts or ever need cataract surgery down the road.
This doesn’t replace routine care, though. Annual eye exams are still important to keep the rest of your eye health in check.
Q1: Is Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery Painful? Ans: No, Refractive Lens Replacement is virtually painless. Numbing drops are used to .. the surface during the surgery and therefore there is little to no pain experience. Q2: How Long Does the Procedure Take? Ans: Each eye takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and the entire process, including preparation and recovery, takes about 2 hours. Q3: How Soon Will I See Results? Ans: Most patients will notice a significant vision improvement within 24-48 hours, and many are able to drive by the next day. Full stabilization of the vision can take a few weeks. Q4: Can I Have Refractive Lens Exchange if I’ve Had LASIK Before? Ans: Yes! Refractive Lens Exchange is a great option for patients who have had LASIK but have lost that visual quality over time. Q5: How Long Does the Lens Last? Ans: The intraocular lenses are designed to last a lifetime, eliminating the need for future vision correction.
Highly Skilled Surgeons – Our board-certified ophthalmologists specialize in vision correction procedures, ensuring exceptional results.
State-of-the-Art Technology – We use femtosecond laser-assisted techniques for greater precision and faster recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans – We evaluate your vision needs and recommend the best intraocular lens (IOL) or Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) for your lifestyle.
Exceptional Patient Care – From consultation to recovery, our team is dedicated to providing unparalleled care and support.
Trusted in San Diego – We are a top choice for Refractive Lens Exchange in San Diego, with a reputation for excellence.
If you are tired of relying on glasses and want a long-term solution for clear vision, Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery may be the perfect choice for you.
Schedule a consultation today with ClearView Eyes to learn how our expert refractive lens exchange doctors can help transform your vision.
Call us at (858) 452-3937 or visit ClearView Eyes for more information.
Experience clearer vision for life with Refractive Lens Replacement Eye Surgery at ClearView Eyes!
