Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Surgery in Moorfields, London
Life in Focus
RLE with Extended or
Full Range of Focus Lenses
Book a consultationWhat is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or lens replacement is an advanced form of vision correction that is typically recommended to those over 50 years old who need spectacles or contact lenses for good distance and near vision.
Whilst no treatment can rewind the clock to restore the vision you had in your twenties, lens replacement is a low risk and effective treatment to reduce dependency on glasses.
Types of Lens Implants
In RLE, multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses are used rather than a standard monofocal lens. Multifocal lenses are those with multiple focal points (eg. bifocal or trifocal), providing distance and middle vision, and/or near vision. Multifocal lenses work well in people who want to minimise the need for reading glasses and are prepared to accept some compromise. This is because even with the latest advanced multifocal lens, there will still be a mild glare or halos in some lighting situations.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are the latest optical design of lenses and provide a perceived continuous range of focus (rather than multiple discrete focal points). Their optical designs are complex, providing greater depth of focus than a standard monofocal lens, but with less optical compromises and side effects that are associated with a multifocal lens.
Frequently asked questions
Refractive Lens Exchange, Pricing From £4,950 Per Eye.
What Is The Difference Between Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Surgery?
Refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery are technically the same procedure (termed phacoemulsification and IOL).
The key difference lies in the reason for the procedure: in refractive lens exchange, the natural lens is still clear and a cataract has not formed, whereas cataract surgery is performed to remove a cloudy lens that is affecting vision
How Long Does RLE Surgery Take and Is It Painful?
RLE surgery typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye.
Whilst RLE can be performed with just anaesthetic eye drops alone, it is generally much more pleasant if combined with light sedation that works quickly and wears off very quickly with no hangover effect.
For this reason, Mr Alex Day’s RLE surgery price includes the fee for a dedicated Consultant Anaesthetist whose sole responsibility is to ensure your surgery is totally pain-free.
Will I Need Glasses After RLE surgery?
Refractive lens exchange aims to maximise spectacle independence.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment yet that can essentially rewind the clock and give you the vision you had in your 20s or 30s.
However, modern advanced multifocal or enhanced depth of focus intraocular lenses are such that glasses may only be needed for certain tasks, such as night driving or fine near work.
Which Lens Implant Is Better Multifocal or Extended Depth of Focus?
There 3 main lens optical designs – monofocal, multifocal or extended depth of focus (EDOF).
A monofocal lens is the standard type of intraocular lens and has a single point of focus. NHS lens implants are monofocal lens.
Multifocal or extended depth of focus lens are termed “premium lens” and are designed to provide the sharpest possible vision over a wider range of focus.
Lens designs may also be “toric” which means they help correct or reduce high astigmatism.
How Safe Is RLE Surgery?
Refractive lens exchange is a low risk procedure, but not a zero risk procedure. The level of surgeon experience and number of surgeries performed per year are the two biggest factors determining surgical outcomes.
The vast majority of complications are minor and treatable by eye drops.
The average risk of a complication causing significant vision loss that cannot be treated by glasses or contact lenses is 1 per 1000 cases or lower.
Is RLE Surgery Permanent?
Yes the lens implant is designed to last for your lifetime.
You will not need to undergo cataract surgery later in your life as the lens has already been replaced.
Very rarely the lens may need replacing due to an unexpected manufacturing defect, this is estimated to be less than 1/10,0000 cases.
What Is The Recovery Like After RLE Surgery?
Immediately after RLE surgery, the vision is soft focus and takes a couple of days to settle.
Most people can restart their normal work and driving within a week of surgery.
Eye drops are needed for one month.