Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – Clear Lens Exchange (CLE)

Alternative to Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, and Phakic-IOL

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is essentially cataract surgery, but exclusively for refractive purposes. RLE is sometimes called Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), and Refractive Lens Replacement (RLR). RLE is often an appropriate alternative to conventional or wavefront Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik if the patient is presbyopic.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the need for distance glasses or contact lenses and it can be used to treat a wide range of far-sightedness and near-sightedness. Unlike other refractive procedures that change the shape of the cornea, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) corrects vision by removing the crystalline lens in the eye and replacing it with a new artificial lens of a different focusing power, much like what happens in cataract surgery. State-of-the-art ultrasound instruments are used to measure your eye for the correct lens power, taking your lifestyle and activities into consideration. These custom measurements are entered into sophisticated formulae to calculate your personal implant power.

Exchange the Natural Lens

In RLE the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a silicone or plastic intraocular lens (IOL). The replacement IOL is of a power to correct most, if not all, of the patient’s hyperopia or myopia. RLE alone is not very successful at correcting astigmatism. To correct astigmatism, conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, CK, or Epi-Lasik may be required in addition to RLE.

TO LEARN MORE, GO TO ‘Understanding Non – Laser Vision Correction Page’

TO GET THIS TREATMENT, GO TO ‘Getting Refractive Services at Angel Eyes Page’