RLE is a surgical procedure that’s identical to cataract surgery. The intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery have come a long way and have created many options for vision correction. During an RLE procedure, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
People who have myopia, or nearsightedness, but are not candidates for LASIK may be able to have an RLE procedure. In some cases, RLE may be the better alternative for patients with myopia and hyperopia who have high amounts of correction or an abnormal cornea.
RLE may also be an alternative to laser vision correction for patients that already wear reading glasses because of presbyopia. Presbyopia is when someone loses the ability to focus at closer distances. For older adults who have presbyopia but don’t qualify for LASIK, RLE may be an ideal solution.
Is Refractive Lens Exchange Safe?
Yes. RLE is just as safe as cataract surgery. Possible complications are rare, and if they do occur, they can usually be treated successfully with medication or additional surgery.
