Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is precisely the same procedure that we use for cataract removal. Small incision cataract microsurgery is the most commonly performed in all of medicine with extremely consistent and excellent outcomes. Refractive Lens Exchange mates this procedure (crystalline lens removal) with the use of carefully chosen (often multifocal) lens implants to provide excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses in patients in whom such refractive surgery is preferable to laser vision correction. These are often patients with “Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome”, who have lost the ability to read or see up close, due to the aging of our natural lens in the eye. The medical term for this is “presbyopia“.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is used to treat a wide range of nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism and dysfunctional lens syndrome. RLE is a better alternative than other refractive surgery procedures in certain patients with high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness, who may not be candidates for LASIK. The main advantages of this refractive lens surgery are rapid visual rehabilitation, excellent optical quality, predictability of outcome, and long-term stability. The other major advantage is that Refractive Lens Exchange, by virtue of removing the natural crystalline lens, which is the structure that eventually becomes a cataract, prevents the need for subsequent cataract surgery in our older patients or those who already have the early signs of cataract. Through careful consultation with either Dr. Cottle or Dr. Chan, you will be given various options for your lens replacement. You may be a candidate for various lens choices, with the majority of our patients choosing Full Focus Vision, which greatly reduces your need for glasses for driving or reading.

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