Refractive lens exchange

You get leading-edge eye surgery at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic. Our specialists offer multiple eye procedures, including refractive lens exchange, so you experience better vision.

What is refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgery to help you see more clearly. During the procedure, your surgeon removes your natural lens and replaces it with an artificial one. Your lens is the clear membrane behind your pupil that helps fine-tune and focus your vision. RLE is also called lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction.

How does refractive lens exchange work?

Refractive lens exchange changes the power of your eye’s lens so you can see more clearly without glasses or contacts. During RLE, an eye surgeon removes your eye’s natural lens. Then they implant an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that makes it easier to see.

RLE is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home the same day. You can usually resume your typical activities in one to two days.

Conditions refractive lens exchange treats

Refractive lens exchange may treat conditions that affect your vision, including:

• Astigmatism, or blurred vision due to eye shape
• Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness
• Myopia, also known as nearsightedness
• Presbyopia, also called age-related farsightedness

Refractive lens exchange side effects

RLE is generally a safe procedure with minimal side effects. Short-term effects usually get better in a few days and may include:

• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Halos or glares around lights
• Sensitivity to light