Discover a new perspective. Enjoy crystal-clear vision and lasting freedom from glasses with our bespoke lens replacement solutions.
Restoring vision and focus at all distances
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an advanced surgical procedure designed to correct a range of vision problems, including:
- Presbyopia – the gradual loss of near vision
- Near-sightedness (myopia) – difficulty seeing objects in the distance
- Farsightedness (hypermetropia) – difficulty focussing on objects nearby
- Astigmatism – blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
RLE is similar to cataract surgery but is performed on patients who don’t have cataracts. Instead, it is designed for patients seeking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses for both distance and near vision.
What is RLE surgery?
RLE surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is chosen based on your specific vision needs, with options for correcting near, far and intermediate vision.
The surgery is an excellent choice for patients over 50 who have refractive errors such as presbyopia, near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, as well as those who may not be good candidates for laser vision correction like LASIK. Patients with cataracts or early-stage cataracts can also benefit from RLE, as it enables the correction of refractive errors and the removal of cataracts in a single procedure.
How can RLE surgery help me?
Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
One of the primary benefits of RLE is the significant reduction – or complete elimination – of the need for glasses or contact lenses, giving patients clear vision for both distance and near tasks.
Correction of Presbyopia
Prebyopia (loss of near vision) is a common problem for patients over 50. RLE can restore both near and distance vision, allowing you to see clearly at all distances without the need for reading glasses.
Safe and effective
With an impressive track record of safety and success, RLE is a good option for patients who may not be good candidates for LASIK, due to factors such as high prescriptions or thin corneas.
Permanent results
REL surgery offers permanent results, so patients can enjoy better vision and quality of life for years, if not life.
Can we help?
If you would like to know more about us, or want to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tel: 0203 411 1820
Types of intraocular lenses
Monofocal Lenses (Standard IOLs)
The most commonly used IOL, monofocal lenses provide clear vision at one distance – typically for either near or distance vision. Many patients opt for monofocal lenes to correct their distance vision and then use reading glasses for close-up tasks. While they’re an effective and cost-efficient option, they may not be the best choice for patients who want to see well at all distances, without needing to wear glasses.
Multifocal Lenses
Designed to offer clear vision at multiple distances, multifocal lenses are a great option for patients who want to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. These lenses allow many patients to enjoy enhanced vision across a wide range of activities, from reading to driving at night. However, they aren’t suitable for everyone – speak to your surgeon to see if you’re a good candidate for multifocal lenses.
EDOF
Offering a continuous range of vision, these lenses enable excellent vision at far, intermediate and functional near distances, with fewer visual disturbances like glares or halos. With both eyes open, these lenses can provide sharp vision across a wide range, making them a good option for patients who want independence from glasses but may not be good candidates for a multifocal IOL.
Toric Lenses
If you have astigmatism (an irregular-shaped cornea), toric lenses may be the ideal choice for you. These lenses correct astigmatism while also providing clear vision at a single distance. Used in combination with other types of lenses, they can help patients achieve even clearer vision, reducing their dependence on glasses for near or distance tasks.
Add-on or Piggyback IOL
If you’ve already had surgery with monofocal IOL, it may be possible to upgrade to multifocal or EDOF lenses for greater independence from glasses. This is done by placing the new, premium lenses on top of the monofocal IOL.
Meet our RLE specialists
What to expect
Pre-surgery
Before your surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive eye examination and a detailed discussion about your vision goals. Based on your lifestyle, eye health and vision needs, our expert consultants will determine which type of lens will deliver optimum results.
Surgery day
On the day of your surgery, dilation and antiseptic eye drops will be applied to prepare your eyes. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, with a small incision being made in the cornea to allow the natural lens to be broken up and removed before the new IOL is implanted into the eye. After surgery, you will be cared for in our recovery lounge.
Post-surgery
Most patients resume their normal activities within a few days, with their vision becoming increasingly stable over several weeks. You’ll be given eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and will attend regular follow up appointments to ensure you’re healing as expected.
Consultation process
Request a consultation
Take the first step to restoring your vision. Contact us today to request a consultation.
We’ll be in touch
Our experienced, compassionate team will be in touch to discuss your vision needs and schedule your in-person consultation.
Visit our clinic
Visit our comfortable, welcoming, state-of-the-art clinic and meet our expert team.
