What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) – also called lens replacement surgery – is a vision correction procedure that involves removing your eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a premium lens implant. The procedure itself is very similar to cataract surgery. If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, PRK, or another form of laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange might be an ideal treatment option for you.

RLE is typically performed on patients with presbyopia or patients who have extreme hyperopia (farsightedness) and are not suitable for LASIK or PRK. If you have both presbyopia and a significant amount of hyperopia, RLE may actually be the only viable vision correction option available to you. Although RLE can also correct myopia (nearsightedness), it is usually not recommended if LASIK or PRK are still options.

During the refractive lens exchange procedure, numbing anesthetic drops are used to ensure there is no discomfort while your natural lens is removed, and the lens implant is placed. Most patients enjoy immediate vision improvement after the procedure, but others may have to wait longer for their eyes to adjust to the new lens. You should be able to resume driving and return to work within a week of your procedure, depending on Dr. Brooks’ instructions.

If you have further questions about refractive lens exchange, please contact Brooks Eye Associates today or call (972) 736-9347 to schedule an appointment with our experienced Dallas eye surgeon Dr. Dain Brooks. We serve patients throughout Plano, Frisco, and Dallas, Texas.