Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is identical to modern cataract surgery. Both operations involve replacing the natural lens with an intra ocular lens (IOL). The only difference is that cataract surgery is performed mainly to correct blur or light scatter caused by a misty natural lens; whereas RLE is performed to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
IOL implantation is a bit like building your glasses or contact lenses into your eyes
• Monofocal IOLs – these lenses have on specific focal point. Most patients target good distance vision and wear reading glasses. This lens can also be set to give good reading vision with the patient wearing distance glasses post-surgery
• Multifocal IOLs – multifocal lenses aim to reduce spectacle dependence for a wider range of activities, including intermediate (computer screens) and near (reading) vision. If you are suitable for Refractive lens exchange, your surgeon will discuss which IOL type is the best option for you.
About four out of five patients are completely free of glasses after Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) with widely used contemporary multifocal Intra ocular lenses (IOLS).
