RLE (refractive lens exchange) is your solution to clear vision without glasses
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a modern method of vision correction, which is used in particular in cases of presbyopia, severe visual defects or intolerance to other treatment methods. This method combines the principles of cataract surgery and refractive technique and makes it possible to permanently correct visual defects.
In refractive lens replacement, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with a high-quality artificial lens that precisely matches the patient’s visual needs. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery, but is performed on patients who do not already have cataracts.
Indications for RLE
RLE is particularly suitable for patients who have:
- Presbyopia: Experience difficulty reading or seeing at close distances.
- Severe vision defects: nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that are not amenable to other procedures such as laser correction.
- Unsuitable cornea: For example, a thin or uneven cornea that is not amenable to laser correction.
- Lack of accommodation: Patients who have lost the ability to focus flexibly between near and far objects.
RLE surgery procedure
Refractive lens replacement is a safe and painless procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis:
- Preparation: the eye is anesthetized locally with drops so there is no pain.
- Removal of the natural lens: The natural lens is removed through a tiny incision using modern ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification) or nanolasers.
- Insertion of the artificial lens: A specially selected artificial lens is implanted into the empty capsular bag.
- Closure: the incision is so small that it closes by itself and does not require stitches. The procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes per eye.
Choice of artificial lens
The main advantage of RLE is the choice of different types of lenses, which are customized according to the patient’s needs:
- Monofocal lenses: provide clear vision within a certain range (near or far vision).
- Multifocal lenses: provide clear vision at different distances and reduce dependence on glasses.
- EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lenses: Extend the depth of focus and provide good intermediate vision.
- Toric lenses: additionally correct the curvature of the cornea.
NanoLaser (Cetus) – a precise and gentle treatment technique
The NanoLaser (Cetus) procedure is an innovative approach that is increasingly being used in refractive lens replacement. This laser allows a particularly gentle treatment of the cornea and the lens capsular bag. The advantages of the NanoLaser are as follows
- Extremely high precision: The NanoLaser offers unrivaled precision when cutting and removing the natural lens. This allows for a more personalized treatment and promotes a better healing process.
- Gentle tissue destruction: NanoLaser minimizes thermal stress on the tissue and reduces the risk of complications.
- Fast healing process: precise incisions protect the surrounding tissue, so healing is faster and less uncomfortable.
Advantages of refractive lens replacement
Permanent correction: since the natural lens is removed, cataracts can no longer develop.Wide range of applications: suitable for patients with severe ametropia or unsuitable corneas.
Reduced dependence on glasses: with multifocal or EDOF lenses, patients can do without varifocal glasses or reading glasses.
Safe procedure: Proven technology and precise techniques guarantee a high success rate.
After the procedure, you should avoid strenuous activities and do not rub your eyes for the first few days. Significant improvement in the quality of vision often occurs in just a few hours, and the healing process is usually free of complications. Regular check-ups ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
Who is RLE suitable for?
Refractive lens replacement is ideal for patients who:
- Are looking for a permanent solution to their vision defects.
- Are not suitable for laser correction (such as LASIK or PRK) due to corneal features or visual profile.
- Want to correct presbyopia and at the same time eliminate the risk of developing cataracts in the future.
