Refractive Lens Exchange
RLE Surgery
Transform your vision with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) at Rudd Vision, where advanced vision correction meets personalized care. Located in Puyallup and serving patients from Olympia to Tacoma and up to Seattle, WA, Dr. Jay Rudd and his expert team are committed to elevating your vision experience. At Rudd Vision, we take pride in offering premium services in a nurturing environment, ensuring a seamless journey to enhanced vision. Join us to explore the potential of RLE and experience a new level of eye care that stands apart in the region.
- What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
- What Does RLE Surgery Treat?
- Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
- Who is a Candidate for RLE?
- Why Choose Rudd Vision for RLE Surgery?
- Preparing for Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
- The Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure
- Refractive Lens Exchange Recovery & Results
- FAQs About Refractive Lens Exchange
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE), is also referred to as clear lens extraction or clear lens exchange. This vision correction procedure involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with a clear artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL).
The refractive lens exchange surgical procedure is identical to cataract surgery, except that it is performed electively to correct refractive errors rather than cataracts. Refractive lens exchange is an ideal solution for age-related near vision loss, or presbyopia, because it can correct vision at multiple distances—something that other vision correction procedures like LASIK eye surgery or PRK can’t offer.
Opting for RLE also prevents the need for cataract surgery in the future, as the procedure removes the natural lens of the eye where cataracts would develop. This dual benefit makes refractive lens exchange a compelling choice for those seeking a comprehensive solution to their vision needs.
What Does RLE Surgery Treat?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a versatile procedure designed to correct several types of refractive errors by replacing the eye’s natural lens with a customized artificial intraocular lens (IOL). These refractive errors, which affect how light is bent onto the retina, can lead to blurred vision and other visual disturbances. Here are the common conditions treated by RLE:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Affecting up to 30% of the population in the United States, myopia makes distant objects appear blurry.1
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This condition makes it difficult to focus on close objects and can also lead to eye strain, headaches, and burning or itchy sensations in the eyes.2
- Astigmatism: Often occurring alongside myopia or hyperopia, astigmatism distorts or blurs vision at all distances. It is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.3
- Presbyopia: Commonly known as age-related near vision loss, presbyopia affects nearly everyone over the age of 40. The eye’s lens becomes less flexible with age, making it difficult to focus on close objects without bifocals or reading glasses. RLE is particularly beneficial for treating presbyopia because it replaces the inflexible natural lens of the eye with a flexible IOL, often reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.4
By addressing these refractive errors, RLE not only improves daily visual acuity but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals suffering from these common vision problems.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond basic vision correction, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a significant improvement in their visual quality. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Improved vision at all ranges for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia
- Quick and comfortable procedure
- Short recovery period
- Reduction or elimination of dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses
Who is a Candidate for RLE?
Refractive lens exchange surgery is a great option for our patients who are experiencing presbyopia, and may also be suitable for patients who have refractive errors that aren’t well-treated by other vision correction surgeries like LASIK or PRK. You may be a good candidate for RLE if:
- You are over the age of 40
- You have been diagnosed with presbyopia
- You aren’t a good candidate for other vision correction procedures
- You have healthy eyes with no glaucoma or risk of retinal detachment
Why Choose Rudd Vision for RLE Surgery?
At Rudd Vision, we’re not just focused on improving your sight; we’re committed to enhancing your life. Our approach to refractive lens exchange surgery combines premium care with a personalized touch, setting a new standard in vision correction.
- Unmatched Quality and Care: Utilizing cutting-edge technology alongside Dr. Rudd’s extensive surgical expertise ensures optimal outcomes tailored to your vision needs.
- A Team Approach: Our cohesive team works closely with your primary eye care provider to ensure every part of your journey is smooth and supportive, helping you feel secure and cared for every step of the way.
- An Exceptional Experience: From the welcoming environment to our attentive service, each visit is designed to make you feel valued and respected.
- Customized Lens Selection: We offer a full range of IOL options, designed to meet each patient’s unique vision and lifestyle needs.
- In-Office Surgery: All of your pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative needs can be met right here: there’s no need to travel to a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
Choose Rudd Vision for a transformative experience that goes beyond mere vision correction.
Preparing for Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Preparation for your RLE procedure begins with a detailed eye exam and consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Rudd. During this initial assessment, Dr. Rudd will review your medical history and conduct a thorough eye health examination to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Selecting the Right IOL: You’ll explore various intraocular lens options, and Dr. Rudd will help you choose the best one tailored to your vision goals and needs.
- Scheduling and Instructions: Once deemed a good candidate, we’ll schedule your refractive surgery and provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. You’ll receive guidelines on pre-surgery eye drops, dietary restrictions on the day of the surgery, and transportation arrangements since you won’t be able to drive yourself home.
Our goal is to make your preparation as smooth and informed as possible, ensuring a comfortable experience from start to finish.
The Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure
Refractive lens exchange surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes only about 10-15 minutes per eye.
- Preparation: On the day of your surgery, expect to spend a few hours at Rudd Vision to allow for preparation and recovery. Before the procedure, anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb your eyes, ensuring comfort throughout the surgery. You may also receive a mild oral sedative to help you relax.
- Procedure: The surgery begins with your eye surgeon making a small incision in the cornea to remove your natural lens. At Rudd Vision, this is done with the assistance of a femtosecond laser for enhanced precision. Then, a customized intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place. The incision is so fine that sutures are not required; the eye heals naturally over time.5
- Post-Procedure: After the procedure, you will rest briefly in our recovery area before you are ready to be driven home by a friend or family member.
Refractive Lens Exchange Recovery & Results
Recovery after refractive lens exchange surgery is brief. When you return home, you’ll need to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping for the first few days to safeguard your eyes. It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, itchiness, or temporary blurry vision during this initial period. To help prevent any complications, it’s important not to rub or touch your eyes.
Dr. Rudd will prescribe both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use after your refractive surgery. Following their instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth recovery. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by the minimal downtime required; many return to work and resume regular activities within 24 to 48 hours after their surgery.
One of the most rewarding aspects of RLE is the quick improvement in vision. Within just a few days, you’ll begin to notice clearer vision, and within a few weeks, you’ll be able to appreciate the full results of your vision correction, potentially eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses altogether.
FAQs About Refractive Lens Exchange
The refractive lens exchange procedure is identical to cataract surgery, which is the most common surgical procedure in the world and has an outstanding safety rating. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, rare risks of refractive lens exchange include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Inflammation
- IOL dislocation
- Retinal detachment6
The cost of refractive lens exchange is unique for each patient and is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of IOL used. At Rudd Vision, we don’t believe in surprises: you will receive a detailed cost breakdown for your unique treatment plan before your RLE surgery.
Refractive lens exchange is performed on an elective basis to correct refractive errors. Because RLE is not medically necessary, it is not typically covered by insurance. The team at Rudd Vision understands that the cost of RLE may be a concern for many of our patients, and we will be happy to help you learn more about paying for vision surgery with HSA or FSA funds, financing for refractive lens exchange, and other options that can bring your dream of clear vision into reality.
Both RLE and LASIK are performed to correct refractive errors. However, LASIK is a laser eye surgery procedure that involves reshaping the cornea to change the way light is refracted onto the retina. During RLE, the cornea remains entirely intact but the lens of the eye is replaced with an IOL. Because RLE involves replacing the entire natural lens of the eye with a custom IOL, we can correct presbyopia and vision at multiple distances with this procedure.
Contact Us
Are you tired of reaching for your reading glasses? Contact us today to learn more about refractive lens exchange (RLE) during a consultation at Rudd Vision, the preferred source of clear vision in Olympia through Tacoma, and up to Seattle, WA.
Book a Consultation1 American Optometric Association. Myopia (nearsightedness). Available: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia. Accessed May 13, 2024.
2 American Optometric Association. Hyperopia (farsightedness). Available: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/hyperopia. Accessed May 13, 2024.
3American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Astigmatism? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-astigmatism. Accessed May 13, 2024.
4 American Optometric Association. Presbyopia. Available: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/presbyopia?sso=y. Accessed May 13, 2024.
5 American Refractive Surgery Council. Cataract Surgery with Vision Correcting IOLs. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/refractive-surgery-procedures/cataract-surgery-with-vision-correcting-iols. Accessed May 13, 2024.
6 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract Surgery. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery. Accessed May 13, 2024.
Dr. Jay Rudd has authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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