Why Choose Vista Eye Specialists For RLE ?
Patients who choose Vista Eye Specialists benefit from a team dedicated to delivering exceptional cataract care and advanced vision correction. Our goal is to provide personalized treatment in a relaxed, welcoming environment where every patient feels heard.
Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Jani is highly experienced in cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE), offering modern solutions for clearer vision. Using the latest technology and premium lens options, we customize each procedure to fit your lifestyle and visual needs.
At Vista Eye Specialists, we believe in combining expertise with innovation to help you achieve the best possible results for your vision.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is also known as clear lens extraction (CLE) or clear lens exchange (CLE). RLE is an eye procedure to remove the natural lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia (inability to read or see up close). At Vista Eye Specialists, Dr. Binoy R. Jani and our dedicated team offer RLE to help patients with frustrating vision limitations enjoy a life with less dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Understanding RLE
In refractive lens exchange (RLE), Dr. Jani replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Options include:
- Monofocal lens – Provides clear distance vision
- Toric lens – Corrects distance vision and astigmatism
- Multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lens – Improves vision at multiple distances
- Accommodating lens – Addresses near, intermediate, and distance vision
Many people consider RLE as an alternative to laser vision correction or other procedures like corneal implants or inlays. The RLE procedure is essentially the same as cataract surgery—a surgery performed on millions of patients every year and perfected over more than 40 years.
Am I a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
The procedure is usually best suited for middle-aged or pre-cataract individuals with a refractive error or focusing issues. Younger people with high refractive errors may also be candidates.
Interested individuals should be at least 30 years of age, have a strong desire to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses and have no significant eye disease.
What are my alternatives to RLE?
Glasses and / or contact lenses have been the most common method of correcting refractive errors. Laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK and PRK, are alternatives as well. At times, RLE may be the better option for candidates looking for less dependence on their glasses / contacts lenses. Dr. Jani will discuss the best treatment option for you when are in for consultation.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility under topical (drops) anesthesia with light IV sedation. The procedure may take up to 15 minutes, is relatively painless, and with quick visual recovery. Most patients can return to driving, reading, and work within a day.
How much does Refractive Lens Exchange Cost?
The cost of refractive lens exchange (RLE) is typically higher than LASIK, PRK, or other laser vision correction procedures, and most medical or vision insurance plans do not cover it. You can help manage costs by using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or contributing to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer.
At Vista Eye Specialists, we also offer convenient financing options, including plans with attractive interest rates or even interest-free financing for a limited time—making it easier to fit your procedure into your budget.
FAQs
RLE offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Reduced dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Excellent alternative for patients who may not qualify for LASIK or PRK (laser vision correction)
- Eliminate risk of cataracts in the future
- Minimal downtime
Our team will ensure you are properly prepared for your recovery ahead of your scheduled surgery by providing you with detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself. This may include prescribed eye drops that promote healing. Additionally, you will need to refrain from certain activities. Dr. Jani will let you know when it is safe to resume driving, working, swimming, and exercising. It can take up to four to six weeks for the eyes to completely heal after RLE, but many patients feel ready to return to their regular activities after a few days.
Cataract surgery and RLE are both lens replacement options that involve replacing the lens of the eye with an artificial lens. However, there are key differences between these surgeries that patients should be aware of:
Cataract surgery treats a naturally clouded lens: With age, the eye’s natural lens may become clouded, leading to difficulties with vision. Cataract surgery replaces the clouded lens with a transparent IOL that allows for clear vision.
Refractive lens exchange treats refractive errors: If you have refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia that are preventing you from enjoying crisp vision, but the lens is still clear, RLE can restore your vision. Replacing the lens with an artificial lens in this case can correct near and distance vision, depending on your choice of IOL.
Refractive lens exchange is a very safe procedure overall, but it carries certain risks like all surgeries. Complications are rare, and preventive measures are taken to minimize risks. Our team closely monitors patients for any signs of complications and provides detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Before undergoing RLE, you may need to stop certain medications, which our team will discuss with you during your consultation. It’s important to arrange transportation since you will not be able to drive immediately after the surgery. We will conduct a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to tailor the procedure to your specific vision needs and ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery.
In addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness, RLE can be highly effective in correcting astigmatism. Dr. Jani often uses toric IOLs designed to correct astigmatism. The choice of lens depends on your specific refractive error, and Dr. Jani is experienced in selecting the IOL that best suits your vision correction needs.
The vision correction achieved with RLE is permanent. However, it’s important to maintain regular eye examinations. While RLE provides stable results, your vision may change due to other unrelated eye conditions as you age. Regular check-ups help you to manage any future changes so that you maintain clear vision.
RLE has no absolute age limit; suitability is more about your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle. However, Dr Jani most frequently performs this procedure on patients over 40 who wish to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. We evaluate every potential candidate on an individual basis to ensure that RLE is the right choice for their vision correction.
Most patients experience significant improvements in their vision after RLE and may not need glasses for most activities. However, some people might need glasses for certain tasks like reading or driving at night, depending on the type IOL used and their specific vision needs.
RLE has a high success rate, with most patients achieving 20/30 vision or better. This is the legal standard for driving without glasses in most areas. Our practice uses advanced technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes, and we discuss expected results during your preoperative consultation.
Refractive lens exchange is particularly effective for treating presbyopia, the age-related condition that affects near/reading vision. During RLE, the natural lens, which has lost its flexibility, is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are various types of IOLs available, including multifocal and accommodating lenses, designed to improve near vision and reduce the need for reading glasses. This makes RLE an excellent option for those seeking to correct presbyopia and enjoy clear vision at all distances
RLE Consultations in Fredericksburg and Culpeper
If you would like to learn more about financial options or details about the procedures we offer, call 888-393-5264 to schedule a consultation today with our eye experts in Fredericksburg and Culpeper.