Is RLE Safe?
RLE can be appropriate for carefully selected patients, but it is not risk-free.
Refractive lens exchange removes the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. It uses the same general surgical approach as cataract surgery but is performed primarily for refractive reasons.
Because RLE is performed inside the eye and permanently removes the natural lens, patients should understand its risks, limitations and alternatives before proceeding.
What Are the Potential Risks of RLE?
Possible complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or inflammation
- Increased eye pressure
- Corneal or macular swelling
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Artificial-lens movement or dislocation
- Glare, halos or reduced contrast
- Residual prescription
- Continued need for glasses
- Additional treatment or surgery
- Rare vision loss
Patients with high myopia, retinal abnormalities or previous retinal problems may require additional evaluation.
Is RLE Permanent?
Yes. The natural lens is permanently removed.
An artificial lens can sometimes be exchanged, but that requires another operation. Patients should also understand that an artificial lens does not perfectly reproduce every focusing ability of a young natural lens.
Although the removed lens cannot develop a cataract, clouding can occur in the capsule supporting the artificial lens. This is called posterior capsule opacification.
Do You Actually Need Lens Replacement?
If your natural lens is healthy and your vision problem is caused primarily by nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, you may be able to correct your vision without RLE.
LASIK reshapes the cornea while preserving the natural lens. It does not carry the risks associated specifically with removing the lens and implanting an IOL.
LASIK has its own possible complications and is not suitable for every patient, but it may offer a less invasive alternative for qualifying candidates.
Who May Qualify for LASIK Instead?
You may be considered for LASIK if:
- Your prescription is stable
- Your corneas are healthy and sufficiently thick
- You do not have a significant cataract
- Your tear film is healthy enough for treatment
- Your refractive error falls within an appropriate range
- You have realistic expectations
- You want to preserve your natural lens
A comprehensive examination is needed to determine candidacy.
What About Presbyopia?
LASIK cannot restore the natural lens’s lost flexibility. However, selected patients may reduce their dependence on reading glasses through monovision LASIK.
Other patients choose clear distance correction and use readers when needed. Your work, hobbies, screen use and nighttime driving should all be considered.
Explore LASIK Before Replacing Your Natural Lens
LASIK of Nevada does not perform RLE. We specialize in LASIK and PRK and can determine whether corneal laser vision correction may safely address your goals.
If your vision problem originates primarily in the natural lens, we will explain why LASIK may not be appropriate.
This page provides general information and is not personal medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks, and results vary.