Understanding Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an advanced vision correction procedure that replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness) and presbyopia.

While this procedure is often considered an alternative to Laser Vision Correction for people over 50  and are impacted by presbyopia, and wanting to live glasses and contact lens free, many also wonder if it eliminates the need for cataract surgery later in life?

In this blog we will answer this question and provide a simple understanding of why.

How does RLE differ from cataract surgery?

RLE is almost identical to cataract surgery with one key difference, it is performed before cataracts develop or if they are developing and present, they are not yet impacting your vision.

In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens to restore vision.

In RLE, a clear but less effective natural lens is removed and replaced with an advanced artificial lens to reduce the need for glasses or contacts.

Since the natural lens is removed during RLE, a patient who undergoes this procedure will never develop cataracts in that eye.

The new replacement lens is called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). There are many IOL options and depending on your visual goals, your unique eye health, and the advice of your ophthalmologist, the most appropriate IOL will be used to provide optimal vision acuity and gain ideal lifestyle benefits.

Will I Need Cataract Surgery in the Future?

The short answer is no – once you have had RLE, you will not need cataract surgery in the future. Since cataracts form on the natural lens , removing and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens means there is no natural lens left to develop cataracts.

Are there other benefits of RLE

As well as eliminating the risk of cataracts, RLE provides several other advantages.

• Permanent Vision Correction – Unlike Laser Vision Correction, which reshapes the cornea, RLE directly addresses lens-related vision issues, reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
• Long-Lasting Results – Once the artificial lens is in place, it does not age or degrade the way a natural lens does.
• Customisable Options – Various intraocular lenses are available, including multifocal and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, which can improve both distance and near vision. Read more about this here.
• Prevention of Age-Related Lens Changes – By replacing the lens before it deteriorates, RLE ensures stable vision and removes the need for cataract surgery later in life.

Is RLE the Right Choice for You?

RLE can often be recommended for people over 50 who:

• Are suffering from presbyopia and are seeking freedom from their reading glasses or deteriorating near vision
• Have high levels of hyperopia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness) but are not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery
• Are looking to eliminate the risk of cataracts in the future

However, it is relevant to note that RLE is a more invasive vision correction procedure than Laser Vision Correction and as such does carry risks such as dry eye, glare, or halos around lights, and potential complications like lens dislocation.

If you are interested in discussing this as an option to improve your vision it is important to seek advice from specialist refractive ophthalmologist who will advise if you are a suitable candidate, and guide you through your options to achieve your best visual solution.

Our refractive ophthalmologists

Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre is a premier provider of ophthalmic services with two of Australia’s leading refractive ophthalmologists, Dr Peter Ingham and Dr Ben LaHood  available for consulting for RLE.

To finish

For those seeking vision freedom, RLE offers a dual benefit of reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses and preventing the need for cataract surgery later in life.

If you’re in your 50s or beyond, and seeking a long-term vision solution, RLE might be a relevant option for achieving clear and stable vision for years to come.

Curious to understand if you are a candidate for RLE?

Book a complimentary assessment with one of our refractive counsellors to discuss your suitability for RLE and its costs.

If you would like to seek a referral to our care or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.