Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lense Exchange (RLE) is similar to cataract surgery, but performed for refractive purposes. In RLE the natural, clear, lense of the eye is removed and replaced with a plastic intraocular lense (IOL). The replacement IOL is of a power to correct most, if not all of the patients hyperopia or myopia.

A disadvantage with RLE is that the patient probably will lose some of their accommodation, making them presbyopic. Multifocal IOLs are available to help with correcting near and distance vision.