Refractive Surgery
RLE
CLE
Clear lens exchange

What is Refractive Lens Exchange

Technician Taylor By Technician Taylor
1 min read
Jun 2, 2025

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Is a surgical procedure in which the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision). 

How it works: RLE is very similar to cataract surgery. The key difference is that with RLE, the natural lens being replaced is still relatively clear (not completely clouded by a cataract). The goal is to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses by using a custom IOL to adjust the eye’s focusing power.

Who is a Good Candidate: RLE is typically recommended for:

  • Individuals over 45 who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK
  • People with presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision, making readers essential)
  • Those with high farsightedness (hyperopia) or moderate-to-high nearsightedness not treatable with corneal laser surgery
  • Patients wanting a long-term solution for both near and distance vision

Benefits of RLE 

  • Can correct multiple refractive errors (distance, near, and astigmatism) 
  • Eliminates the need for future cataract surgery
  • Long-lasting results
  • Fast recovery time

Considerations and Risks 

  • As with any eye surgery, there are risks including infection, dry eyes, glare, halos, or the need for enhancement procedures
  • It’s a permanent procedure (unlike EVO ICL, which is reversible)
  • Not usually covered by insurance, as it’s considered elective

Feature Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) EVO ICL LASIK
Age Range Typically 45+ 21–45 (ideal for those with stable vision) 18–40 (depends on stable prescription)
Vision Conditions Treated Myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism Moderate to high myopia, astigmatism Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism
Procedure Type Replaces natural lens Adds a lens (natural lens stays) Reshapes cornea
Corneal Tissue Removed? No No Yes
Reversible? No (permanent lens replacement) Yes (lens can be removed) No
Corrects Presbyopia? Yes  No (though monovision may help) Partially (via monovision LASIK)
Cataract Prevention Yes (lens won’t cloud later) No No
Recovery Time Few days to 1–2 weeks 1–2 days for most 1–2 days for most
Long-Term Stability Very stable Very stable Stable, though vision may shift with age
Ideal for Thin Corneas? Yes Yes No (may disqualify patient)

 

 
Back to List Next Article