RLE Surgery
Reclaiming Youthful Vision
Today, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is easier and more precise. Our goal is to provide you with options designed to provide you with a full range of vision with less dependence on glasses and contacts for your active lifestyle.
What to Expect
Before Refractive Lens Exchange surgery is scheduled, you will meet a refractive coordinator who will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. Your refractive coordinator will perform a thorough eye exam to determine if you may be a possible candidate. If you are a good candidate, you will then meet with your surgeon to further examine your eye and discuss the Advanced Lifestyle Lens options based on your visual goals and lifestyle. At Ocala Eye, each patient is given their own Vision Care Specialist that will take their unique measurements, review the procedure in detail, and aid throughout the pre-operative process.
RLE Surgery Step-By-Step
Refractive Lens Exchange is performed just like advanced cataract surgery, there are no injections and no stitches. You may be given mild medication to relax you, and you’ll be awake and comfortable. Recovery is quick – you may resume most activities the next day.
Step One
The procedure is usually performed in about 15 minutes. In addition to numbing drops, you’ll be given IV relaxation medicine.
Step Two
After making a small incision, our doctors insert a probe to break up and gently remove the inflexible natural lens.
Step Three
The flexible advanced lifestyle lens is folded up and inserted into the lens capsule. It then opens and its haptics, or “arms” unfold to keep it in place.
Advanced Lifestyle Lenses
With RLE and Advanced Lifestyle Lenses, you may be able to enjoy all of your activities with little to no dependence on glasses, contacts, or reading glasses!
A Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) provides the most independence from glasses and contacts.
- Premium Multifocal Lens or Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)
- Astigmatism Correction
- Provides excellent distance, intermediate and/or near vision with little to no dependence on glasses
Recovery After RLE Surgery
After surgery, you’ll be prescribed eye drops that guard against infection and aid in the healing process. It is very important to follow the eye drop schedule given by your surgeon and Vision Care Specialist. Avoid rubbing your eyes, lifting heavy objects, and swimming for the first two weeks following surgery. Every patient will go through a series of post-op visits for several weeks following surgery to make sure the eye is healing properly.
Recovery time after surgery is generally quick and usually occurs within a few days. Most patients notice better vision soon after surgery and continue to see improvement in their vision over the following weeks.
Right After Surgery:
cloudy, blurry close-up, and halos and starbursts
Days After Surgery:
distance improved, near still blurry, night vision halos
Weeks After Surgery:
near is improving, night vision improving
Months After Surgery:
night vision problems still improving