Refractive Lens Exchange
Often the last vision procedure you'll ever need. Reduce or end your dependence on glasses, correct presbyopia, and never develop a cataract. With fellowship-trained surgeon Medi Eslani, MD, FAAO.
Is RLE Right for You?
RLE replaces your eye's natural lens with an advanced technology intraocular lens, the same gentle, refined procedure as modern cataract surgery, chosen before a cataract forms.
RLE is ideal for adults over 40 who are noticing presbyopia (needing reading glasses), have higher prescriptions, or aren't good candidates for LASIK. By replacing the lens itself, RLE corrects a wider range of vision than laser surgery can, and the result is permanent.
Compare Your Options
Three ways to reduce dependence on glasses. Dr. Eslani helps you choose the right one for your eyes and age.
Laser
Reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Best for: patients in their 20s to 40s with stable prescriptions and healthy corneas.
Most popular after 40
Replaces the natural lens with a premium IOL. Corrects presbyopia and high prescriptions, and prevents cataracts.
Best for: adults 40+ wanting a permanent, full-range solution.
Medically necessary
Removes a clouded lens and replaces it with an IOL. RLE is essentially the same procedure, done earlier.
Best for: patients who already have a visually significant cataract.
Why RLE
Because your natural lens is replaced with a permanent artificial lens, RLE corrects your vision and removes any future possibility of a cataract, so you won't need cataract surgery later. For many patients, it's a one-time investment in a lifetime of clearer vision.
Today's advanced technology lenses can deliver distance, intermediate, and near vision in a single lens, freedom that corneal laser surgery alone cannot provide.
Lens Options
Dr. Eslani recommends the lens that fits your eyes, your goals, and how you spend your day.
Corrects astigmatism for sharper, clearer vision.
A smooth range from distance to intermediate. Great for driving and screens.
Distance, intermediate, and near. The most freedom from glasses.
A foldable lens placed inside the eye for higher prescriptions. Nothing is removed, and it's removable.
What to Expect
A thorough exam and precise lens calculations to plan your personalized result.
A brief, comfortable outpatient procedure, one eye at a time, under local anesthesia.
Most patients see clearly within days, with a few short follow-up visits.
FAQ
See whether refractive lens exchange is right for you.