Do you have a high degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism? Have you been told you may not be a good candidate for LASIK or PRK? Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE, may be the answer.
RLE is a procedure in which your surgeon removes the natural lens inside your eye and replaces it with a custom man-made lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The IOL is chosen to correct your prescription. It is very similar to cataract surgery, with one key difference: you do not yet have a significant cataract.
Your IOL can be a multifocal lens that provides distance, intermediate, and some near vision, or a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) that lets your surgeon fine-tune your prescription with a special light after surgery.
Treats even high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that fall outside the LASIK range.
Because your natural lens is replaced, you will never develop cataracts in that eye in the future.
The right advanced IOL can restore distance, intermediate, and near vision, reducing your dependence on glasses.
RLE may be right for you if you are:
Recovery and results
One eye is treated at a time, with the second eye typically done one to two weeks later. Recovery is similar to cataract surgery, with your vision returning gradually over one to three weeks.
Every surgery carries some risk, but the risks of RLE are similar to those of cataract surgery, which is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States.
Costs are similar to cataract surgery and are paid out of pocket, as there is generally no insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per eye, depending on the surgeon, the surgical location, and the lens implanted.
| Feature | LASIK | EVO ICL | RLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal tissue removal | Yes | No | No |
| Myopia (nearsightedness) limit | Up to −10 | −3 and higher | No limit |
| Hyperopia (farsightedness) limit | Up to +4 | Not approved | No limit |
| Astigmatism limit | Up to 5 | Up to 3 | No limit |
| Dry eye risk | Moderate | Mild | Mild |
| Reversible | No | Yes | No |
| Vision recovery | Days | Days | A few weeks |
| Treatable age | 18+ | 21–60 | 18+ |
RLE is often combined with an advanced IOL to provide a range of vision from distance to near. Ask your doctor whether RLE is right for you.
The first step toward clearer vision is a personalized consultation. Our team will evaluate your eyes, discuss your goals, and help you decide whether RLE is the right option for you. Call Davis Vision Center to discuss this exciting option.
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