The RLE procedure allows surgeons to safely remove and replace the dysfunctional lens in your eye. We use a premium multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) along with the most advanced technology to ensure great results for our patients, allowing them to see far and near without glasses.
At EyeSight Hawaii in Honolulu, HI and Maui, HI, our surgeons use state-of-the-art machines and premium lenses for laser Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) treatments.
WHAT IS THE RLE PROCEDURE?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a process that removes the aging, dysfunctional lens and restores vision to a level that often cannot be achieved with LASIK surgery. Patients over 45 will often begin experiencing poor quality near, intermediate and even distance vision due to the natural aging of the lens, called “presbyopia”. These lens changes eventually end up causing cataracts. But many patients suffer from gradually worsening vision during their 40’s, 50’s and beyond. Instead of waiting years for a cataract to fully develop, RLE permanently replaces the dysfunctional lens in a 10-15 minute painless procedure. New technology intraocular lens implants (IOLs) can offer visual freedom by restoring distance, intermediate and near vision.
BENEFITS OF Refractive Lens Exchange
In Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial replacement called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Instead of waiting years for a cataract to fully develop or presbyopia to worsen dramatically, RLE surgery permanently replaces the dysfunctional lens in a quick, painless outpatient procedure. And, with a range of premium replacement lenses to choose from, RLE can offer freedom from corrective eyewear by improving distance, intermediate, and near vision.
In many cases, people with developing cataracts or severe presbyopia have to struggle with the hassle of wearing reading glasses to see small print or just suffering with low vision until their cataracts reach a certain point. Today, we can offer patients exciting new options for long-term vision, with a simple procedure known as Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE.
YOUR RLE CONSULTATION
The first step in your journey to improved vision at Eyesight Hawaii is your consultation. Your consultation will determine if you are a good candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange. An RLE consultation includes:
- A refractive and dilated eye exam
- A discussion of your eligibility for RLE
- Information about the benefits and risks of RLE with premium IOLs
- An opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns
PREPARING FOR REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE
You will be instructed to stop wearing soft contact lenses three days to a week before your surgery.
Makeup, perfume, cologne, and body spray interfere with the laser and medications used in the procedure. You will be advised not to wear any of these products on the day of your procedure.
What Patients Say
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE RLE PROCEDURE?
RLE is a 10-15 minute procedure where the eye is numbed with topical anesthesia and a 2 millimeter opening is made at the edge of the cornea. Through this small incision, a pen-like instrument called a phaco tip is placed into the eye to remove the dysfunctional lens, leaving the eye’s natural lens capsule in place. Then, through that same small incision, an intraocular lens (IOL) implant is placed into the capsule and rotated into position. There is typically no patching required for surgery with topical anesthesia. We expect our patients to have their vision restored by the next day.
Contact Us Today
RLE is a great option for people suffering from DLS (Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome) or early cataracts, the result of a natural aging process that reduces visual clarity and focusing power and makes it harder to read up close or in low light situations. If you hear yourself complaining about how old you feel because you can’t see anymore, you’re probably a candidate.
The eye doctors at EyeSight Hawaii in Honolulu, HI, and Maui, HI have the experience and knowledge to help. Make an appointment online or call our office to schedule a consultation today!
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