Refractive lens exchange is a type of lens replacement surgery. The RLE procedure usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Our animated video below shows the procedure in more detail: How is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery performed?

The lens isn’t visible to others in the way a contact lens can be, and you won’t be able to feel it in your eye. There are different types of lenses available, for example, monofocal and multifocal lenses. 

With monofocal lenses, you can choose either near or distance vision, not both. Though, we can place a near lens in one eye and a distance lens in the other for some patients (this is called monovision). Monofocal plus lens (also known as premium monofocal lens) give an increased range of vision than standard monofocal lenses.

A multifocal lens offers a higher chance of independence from glasses/contacts with near and distance vision. In this category, there are trifocal and EDOF lenses. These are quite popular, as they provide near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Toric lenses are available to correct astigmatism and reduce any distortions you may be experiencing. Monofocal and multifocal lenses are available with toric lenses incorporated in them to correct any astigmatism you have.

Learn more about the procedure in our blog: Refractive lens exchange surgery: What is the process?