Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
For ages over 45+
Refractive lens exchange surgery (RLE), also known as PreLex (presbyopic lens exchange), clear lens extraction (CLE) and permanent lens replacement surgery is a type of surgery performed to treat patients with reading vision difficulty. Refractive lens exchange offers a way of improving vision and reducing dependence on glasses for people who have problems with their reading vision and who aren’t suitable for laser vision correction.
What is refractive lens exchange surgery?
Refractive lens exchange eye surgery is the same as cataract surgery. It involves replacement of the natural lens and implantation of a high definition intraocular Lens. This allows surgeons to correct and therefore eliminate myopia (short-sightedness), far-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia (reading vision problems).
Refractive lens exchange is most commonly performed in the context of reading vision correction in people over 50. The surgery is exactly the same as cataract surgery in terms of technique. It is safe, sophisticated, and well established, as tens of millions of patients have had cataract surgery around the world. The purpose of lens exchange in a presbyopic patient is that it allows a trifocal or extended depth of focus intraocular lens to be placed within the eye. This allows the patient to be largely independent of spectacles for near and distance vision.
In older patients who have a spectacle prescription that is out of range for laser eye surgery (myopia > -10.00 D; hyperopia > +4.00 D), or those with severe dry eyes or thin corneas where laser surgery is not recommended, refractive lens exchange is the best option. Almost any level of long or short sight or astigmatism can be corrected with refractive lens exchange.
An added advantage of lens exchange surgery is that you won’t develop a cataract later in life.
At Forest Eye Surgery, we offer a broad range of advanced intraocular lenses to suit each patient’s eyes, lifestyle, and visual goals.
How to choose an intraocular lens (IOL)?
Choosing the right IOL is an important decision that can significantly influence your post-surgery vision and overall quality of life.
Want to know more?
If you have a high spectacle prescription which is not suitable for laser eye surgery, you may be a candidate for refractive lens exchange surgery. Get in touch by phone, email or our online form.
Enquire today:
Unit 11, Building 7
49 Frenchs Forest Rd East
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
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