Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are some of the most common eye conditions that often develop as we age and can diminish the quality of our vision. Refractive lens exchange, also known as Clear Lens Replacement (CLR), corrects dysfunctional lens syndrome to help you achieve clearer vision and reduce or eliminate dependency on glasses and contact lenses.

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Learn more about Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

What is Clear Lens Replacement (CLR) and How Does it Work?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as dysfunctional lens replacement or Clear Lens Replacement (CLR), is often the treatment of choice for dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS). RLE is also effective in treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism in patients who are not otherwise candidates for laser vision correction. Dysfunctional lens syndrome is a term used to describe the natural degeneration of vision as a result of changes in the eye’s crystalline lens. 

Issues arising from DLS typically begin after a patient reaches their 40s and encompasses a broad spectrum of changes in eye health. DLS is simply part of the aging process and can escalate to progressive stages as a person gets older. 

While DLS may include symptoms such as stiffness of the eye’s lens, reduced ability to focus on nearby objects, and decreased night vision, it may develop into cataracts that can diminish vision further. RLE replaces the affected natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to give the patient a permanent vision correction solution.

How Can I Benefit From Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

The primary purpose of RLE is to improve functional vision both at a distance and up close. Lens correction is a sensible investment for those who have experienced worsening vision with age. RLE greatly reduces the dependency on bifocals and glasses, providing more freedom and visual independence in everyday life for those who undergo the procedure.

RLE uses a special intraocular lens (IOL), referred to as a trifocal lens, to correct the full range of vision. This lens allows vision to come into focus up close (reading vision), in the intermediate range (phone and computer vision), and in the distance range (driving vision). 

Unlike bifocal glasses, which require patients to look down to read and up to see in the distance, lens correction allows patients to see up close or far when looking in any direction. And, unlike blended vision, where one eye sees up close and the other in the distance, RLE allows both eyes to see with the same image quality up close and at a distance, improving depth perception and visual quality.

Some of the benefits of RLE include:

  • Prevent cataracts in the future
  • Correct nearsightedness
  • Correct farsightedness
  • Correct astigmatism
  • Reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses

What to Expect During Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

We perform RLE as an outpatient procedure, which means you are free to return home after treatment to rest and recover. On the day of surgery, you will need to arrive one to two hours early so we can help prepare you for treatment. Your nurse will apply eye drops, check your blood pressure, and administer medication to help you relax. We will then escort you to the operating suite, where your surgeon will remove the dysfunctional lens and implant a new custom lens.

We will use a device called a lid speculum to gently keep your eye open in place for the duration of treatment. Sneezing or moving will not cause the eye to close, and you will not feel the need to blink due to the numbing eye drops. 

During the surgery, you will likely see swirling lights of colors and patterns. You may also hear the hum of the machines in the room and the surgeon’s voice, letting you know what to expect next. The procedure is entirely painless, and some patients do not remember the surgery at all due to the anesthesia.

When performing RLE, your surgeon will use a device to scan your eye once they remove the dysfunctional lens. This device allows your surgeon to precisely custom pick the power of the lens implant to ensure you can see your best without glasses following cataract surgery. The incisions made during RLE are small and made to be self-sealing. For this reason, sutures are usually not necessary following RLE.

Recovery Timeline for Clear Lens Replacement (CLR)

Recovery from CLR treatment is relatively quick. On average, patients achieve drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Mild corneal swelling or inflammation is normal following surgery. This may result in hazy vision for the first few days following RLE. As the eye heals, the vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few weeks, after which the vision stabilizes.

You will need to use medicated eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. Eye drops are taken four times per day for the first week of recovery and then slowly weaned over the next few weeks. For 14 days following RLE, you should avoid heavy lifting, straining, swimming, and eye rubbing. Additionally, you should wear eye shields after surgery to prevent accidentally rubbing or bumping the eyes.

Though your vision will immediately improve after RLE, the full benefits may take a few months. It can take up to six months for your brain to adjust to the new lens, a process called neuroadapton, during which time you may experience mild visual side effects. You’ll enjoy optimal improvements in your vision once your brain has fully adjusted to better interpret images with the new lens.

Who Can Have Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

We often recommend lens correction for patients experiencing dysfunctional lens syndrome symptoms, especially when the lens already shows signs of aging. RLE can be an excellent treatment option for patients who do not meet the requirements for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and SMILE. 

What is Clear Lens Replacement (CLR) and How Does it Work?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as dysfunctional lens replacement or Clear Lens Replacement (CLR), is often the treatment of choice for dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS). RLE is also effective in treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism in patients who are not otherwise candidates for laser vision correction. Dysfunctional lens syndrome is a term used to describe the natural degeneration of vision as a result of changes in the eye’s crystalline lens. 

Issues arising from DLS typically begin after a patient reaches their 40s and encompasses a broad spectrum of changes in eye health. DLS is simply part of the aging process and can escalate to progressive stages as a person gets older. 

While DLS may include symptoms such as stiffness of the eye’s lens, reduced ability to focus on nearby objects, and decreased night vision, it may develop into cataracts that can diminish vision further. RLE replaces the affected natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to give the patient a permanent vision correction solution.

How Can I Benefit From Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

The primary purpose of RLE is to improve functional vision both at a distance and up close. Lens correction is a sensible investment for those who have experienced worsening vision with age. RLE greatly reduces the dependency on bifocals and glasses, providing more freedom and visual independence in everyday life for those who undergo the procedure.

RLE uses a special intraocular lens (IOL), referred to as a trifocal lens, to correct the full range of vision. This lens allows vision to come into focus up close (reading vision), in the intermediate range (phone and computer vision), and in the distance range (driving vision). 

Unlike bifocal glasses, which require patients to look down to read and up to see in the distance, lens correction allows patients to see up close or far when looking in any direction. And, unlike blended vision, where one eye sees up close and the other in the distance, RLE allows both eyes to see with the same image quality up close and at a distance, improving depth perception and visual quality.

Some of the benefits of RLE include:

  • Prevent cataracts in the future
  • Correct nearsightedness
  • Correct farsightedness
  • Correct astigmatism
  • Reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses

What to Expect During Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

We perform RLE as an outpatient procedure, which means you are free to return home after treatment to rest and recover. On the day of surgery, you will need to arrive one to two hours early so we can help prepare you for treatment. Your nurse will apply eye drops, check your blood pressure, and administer medication to help you relax. We will then escort you to the operating suite, where your surgeon will remove the dysfunctional lens and implant a new custom lens.

We will use a device called a lid speculum to gently keep your eye open in place for the duration of treatment. Sneezing or moving will not cause the eye to close, and you will not feel the need to blink due to the numbing eye drops. 

During the surgery, you will likely see swirling lights of colors and patterns. You may also hear the hum of the machines in the room and the surgeon’s voice, letting you know what to expect next. The procedure is entirely painless, and some patients do not remember the surgery at all due to the anesthesia.

When performing RLE, your surgeon will use a device to scan your eye once they remove the dysfunctional lens. This device allows your surgeon to precisely custom pick the power of the lens implant to ensure you can see your best without glasses following cataract surgery. The incisions made during RLE are small and made to be self-sealing. For this reason, sutures are usually not necessary following RLE.

Recovery Timeline for Clear Lens Replacement (CLR)

Recovery from CLR treatment is relatively quick. On average, patients achieve drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Mild corneal swelling or inflammation is normal following surgery. This may result in hazy vision for the first few days following RLE. As the eye heals, the vision may fluctuate slightly for the first few weeks, after which the vision stabilizes.

You will need to use medicated eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. Eye drops are taken four times per day for the first week of recovery and then slowly weaned over the next few weeks. For 14 days following RLE, you should avoid heavy lifting, straining, swimming, and eye rubbing. Additionally, you should wear eye shields after surgery to prevent accidentally rubbing or bumping the eyes.

Though your vision will immediately improve after RLE, the full benefits may take a few months. It can take up to six months for your brain to adjust to the new lens, a process called neuroadapton, during which time you may experience mild visual side effects. You’ll enjoy optimal improvements in your vision once your brain has fully adjusted to better interpret images with the new lens.

Who Can Have Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

We often recommend lens correction for patients experiencing dysfunctional lens syndrome symptoms, especially when the lens already shows signs of aging. RLE can be an excellent treatment option for patients who do not meet the requirements for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and SMILE. 

Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ

Patients will see swirling lights of different patterns and colors during the procedure. Interestingly, everyone sees something slightly different. Patients will not see the surgeon, the surgeon’s hands, instruments, or anything else in the room.

Not at all. The eye will be entirely numb with the use of numbing eye drops. We will also administer medication to help with relaxation.

Visual recovery occurs most rapidly in the first 24 hours, then slowly over the next few weeks. Physical recovery takes two weeks. During that time, patients should avoid heavy lifting, straining, eye rubbing, and swimming.

Yes, we can operate on both eyes during the same procedure.

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Next Step

Would you like to learn more about refractive lens exchange and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!

Request a Consultation

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.

View Our Financing Options

Clearer Vision
Starts Here

View Our Financing Options

If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.