Refractive Lens Exchange
Life without Presbyopia awaits you
What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct presbyopia, and can also help treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and early cataracts.
Who is eligible ?
RLE may be suitable for people who:
- Are over 40 years of age
- Have presbyopia (difficulty seeing near objects clearly)
- Want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Have other vision errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Are not suited for laser vision correction
How it differs from LASIK ?
RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens, while LASIK reshapes the cornea. RLE is often recommended for people over 40 with presbyopia and can also prevent future cataracts since the natural lens is replaced.
Procedure Duration
RLE is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes 4–20 minutes per eye. Patients normally return home the same day.
Symptoms / Who Should Consider RLE
- Difficulty reading without glasses
- Multiple glasses (distance + reading)
- Not eligible for LASIK
- Age 40+
- Cataract early signs
Benefits of RLE
- Permanent solution
- Reduces dependency on reading glasses
- Quick recovery
- Painless procedure
- 4-20 mins surgery
- No admission required