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What Is RLE? 

RLE stands for refractive lens exchange. The surgery involves replacing your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It’s done to remove cataracts and improve your vision. When the lens of your eye is healthy and clear, you can see through it easily. When you have cataracts, this lens becomes cloudy.

Many patients liken it to trying to see through a foggy window. Without cataract treatment, your vision will continue to worsen, eventually resulting in blindness. At Beach Cities Laser Vision, cataract surgery in Long Beach & Torrance is a safe procedure that we perform often. 

is a safe procedure that we perform often. In just 15 to 30 minutes, we can halt your vision loss and help you see sharply again. Once the IOL is in place, it works just like your natural lens, bending light as it enters the eye and helping it focus on the retina so you can see objects clearly. 

What Are The Benefits of RLE?

When exploring vision correction options, it’s important to understand the benefits of each. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) is ideal for some individuals:

A Quick and Comfortable Procedure

Your RLE cataract surgery in the Long Beach & Torrance area with Dr. Liu will take just 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Dr. Liu will administer special drops to numb your eyes ahead of time, so you should be comfortable throughout the procedure. 

Prevents Future Cataracts

Unlike your natural lens, your IOL won’t continue to age and deteriorate throughout life. It will remain clear and healthy, so you won’t develop new cataracts or experience a further decline in your vision. 

Clear Vision

The refractive lens exchange procedure completely replaces your cloudy lens with an artificial one. As such, it restores your clear vision and should reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts moving forward. It can also reduce glare and improve night vision. 

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How is RLE Surgery Preformed?

Before your RLE cataract surgery in Long Beach or Torrance, Dr. Liu will administer drops to numb your eyes. Once the drops have taken effect, she will make a small incision in your eye where the sclera and cornea meet.

She will then remove your natural lens and insert your new IOL. This incision is so tiny that it doesn’t require stitches. Once the IOL is in place, she will protect your eye with a shield. 

After surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home and to your first follow-up appointment with Dr. Liu. As you heal, you will likely experience blurry vision for a short period. This is normal and will clear up very quickly. Most people can resume their normal daily routine in a few days. However, you may need to wait longer to swim and exercise. Dr. Liu will give you a personalized recovery timeline during your post-surgery appointments. 

Your IOL Options

When it comes to selecting an IOL for your RLE surgery, you have two primary options: monofocal and multifocal. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and Dr. Liu can help you determine which one is best for you. 

Monofocal

Monofocal IOLs have one fixed focal point, which means they can improve your vision at one distance only. For example, if your lens can help you see clearly at far distances, you will likely still need glasses when you’re reading. 

Monofocal IOLs are great for many patients because they deliver predictable results and are a cost-effective option. The main drawbacks are that you can’t correct for varying distances without glasses and may experience limited depth perception. 

Multifocal

Multifocal IOLs can correct your vision at near, far, and intermediate distances. They are designed with concentric rings that help your eyes focus on light at multiple points at the same time. This makes them a flexible and appealing option for many patients, as they allow for complete (or nearly complete) freedom from glasses.

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Is RLE Right for You? 

Before we can determine if RLE is right for you, Dr. Liu will need to examine your eyes and evaluate your cataracts. In general, you’ll be a candidate as long as you are over 40 and don’t have:

  • An eye disease that affects your cornea
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Conditions that put you at a higher risk for retinal detachment
  • Any other serious eye conditions  

RLE FAQs

What is RLE eye surgery?

Who is a good candidate for RLE?

How does RLE differ from cataract surgery?

What is the recovery time for RLE?

Are there any risks or side effects with RLE?

What is RLE eye surgery?

RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) is a vision correction procedure where the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is often used to treat presbyopia and severe farsightedness, and it can prevent cataracts from developing in the future.

Who is a good candidate for RLE?

RLE is ideal for individuals over 40 who have presbyopia, extreme farsightedness, or are not suitable candidates for LASIK or other laser procedures. It is also beneficial for those wanting to eliminate their need for reading glasses or bifocals.

How does RLE differ from cataract surgery?

While RLE and cataract surgery are similar in that both replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, RLE is performed to correct refractive errors and improve vision before cataracts develop, whereas cataract surgery is done to remove a cloudy lens caused by cataracts.

What is the recovery time for RLE?

Recovery from RLE is relatively quick. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days, though it may take a few weeks for full visual stabilization. Regular activities can usually be resumed within a week.

Are there any risks or side effects with RLE?

RLE is generally safe, but potential risks include infection, lens dislocation, retinal detachment, or glare and halos around lights. As with any surgery, it's important to discuss the risks with your surgeon before proceeding.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re ready to plan your cataract treatment with Dr. Liu, please call our Long Beach and Torrance offices today and schedule an appointment. 

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