REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE (RLE)

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Refractive lens exchange is also known as clear lens extraction or lens replacement surgery.

It is a surgical procedure, where the natural lens in the eye is removed and replaced with a synthetic Intraocular lens (IOL) for vision correction.

Why Consider Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is identical to cataract surgery. Both operations involve replacing the natural lens with an intraocular lens.

The only difference is that cataract surgery is performed mainly to correct ‘misty’ blur or light scatter caused by a cataract, whereas RLE is performed (with no cataract) to correct the patient's vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive Lens Exchange surgery can be an alternative to laser eye surgery.

What Conditions Does Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Help?

The phakic intraocular lens implant is a very effective method to treat glasses prescriptions for farsightedness (high hyperopia) as well as presbyopia. It also has an added benefit of removing any need for cataract surgery later in life. It is also favourable for correcting vision in adults of older age who show early signs of cataract formation.

Most surgeons recommend using a laser when performing refractive lens exchange.

What Types of Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) are Used?

There are two main IOL types:

Mono-Focal Intraocular Lens Implants are suitable to reduce spectacle dependence for distance (driving) vision
Multi-Focal Intraocular Lens Implants are suitable to reduce spectacle dependence for a wider range of activities, including intermediate (computer screens) and near (reading) vision

Why is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Required?

The phakic intraocular lens implant is required for vision correction to ensure a higher quality of life for the patient. They provide the same level of vision correction as contact lenses, without any of the limitations and discomforts. It also has a cosmetic benefit, removing the need for eyewear and contact lenses.

Who is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Suitable For?

Refractive lens exchange is suitable for adults over 50 years of age, who are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction surgery, have a stable spectacle prescription and are in generally good health.

Preparation Before Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Topical antibiotics can be administered before surgery as a precaution. If the patient wears contact lenses, they are instructed to stop wearing them for at least a week before their pre-surgery eye exam.

Steps in Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Surgery

The steps in surgery include preparing the patient’s eyes for the operative procedure. Topical anesthesia in the form of eye drops is administered in both eyes.

Patients may also be given a sedative tablet to help ease anxiety and aid them in relaxing before the procedure.

The surgery usually takes 20 minutes per eye. It is a day procedure with no need for a hospital stay.

What Should I Expect After Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Surgery?

The doctor will advise the patient to rest in his office after the procedure and provide refreshments.

Your surgeon will then check the eyes of the patient under a microscope before discharge.

After discharge patients are:

Not allowed to drive immediately after the operation and should make alternative arrangements for transport.
Advised to wear an eye shield to wear from the hospital to home, and at nighttime for at least one week.
Prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to be used as instructed.