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Refractive Lens Exchange

Permanent Vision Correction For People Over 45 years old. 

Providing the best options for vision correction and (RLE) refractive lens exchange in Jacksonville, Florida.

Advancements in cataract surgery have led to new technology with lens replacement surgery designed to correct refractive error. As a result (RLE) Refractive Lens Exchange is very similar to cataract surgery but has multiple benefits that extend beyond. This is a surgical procedure intended to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts for people over the age of 45, who may be experiencing new visual challenges. Refractive Lens Exchange can be used to correct presbyopia, nearsightedness or farsightedness. Since the process is very similar to cataract surgery you will never develop a cataract if the natural lens is removed during this eye surgery. Of course, you will need to consult directly with our eye surgeons as to whether or not you are a good candidate, but this might be your best option.

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For individuals over 40 who are considering refractive surgery to decrease dependence on glasses and contact lenses, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an excellent option worthy of serious consideration. Like cataract surgery, this procedure involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, a multifocal IOL implant or an accommodating IOL. Please consult directly with our eye surgeons at Jacksonville Eye Center to arrange for a consultation to determine your potential candidacy.

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE, is identical to cataract surgery, the only difference being that the eyes natural lens is not cloudy yet. It is a surgical procedure that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Usually this procedure is performed in patients 45 years or older and can potentially correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even presbyopia. Unlike other refractive procedures that change the shape of the cornea, RLE corrects vision by replacing the eye’s natural crystalline lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) that has been designed with the optical power to give clear vision, thus eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Tired of Readers & Bifocals?

RLE May Be the Answer!

  • Read phones & menus and drive without galsses
  • See clearly up close at the computer and in the distance
  • Stop the progression of aging eyes
  • Prevent the need for cataract surgery

Who is a Good Candidates for RLE?

What are the benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange?

  1. No more hassles reading the menu at restaurants
  2. Ability to play sports without glasses
  3. Night driving gets easier
  4. No progressive discoloring of your natural lens
  5. Focusing at multiple distances is possible
  6. Distortion via astigmatism is corrected
  7. No need to worry about losing glasses
  8. No mask fogging glasses anymore
  9. You can go swimming and see clearly
  10. You never have to worry about getting a cataract

What to Expect on RLE Surgery Day

Refractive Lens Exchange is performed at the Riverside Park Surgicenter in Jacksonville, which is located on the second floor of our building. This marvelous procedure is done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient goes home on the same day. Upon arrival for your surgery, you will meet the anesthesiologist and be given IV relaxing medication and a local anesthetic to numb your eye during the procedure. You should not feel any pain or discomfort during this surgery. Similar to cataract surgery, your surgeon will replace your natural crystalline lens with a premium intraocular lens. This new lens will give you clear vision at both far and near. Also, after the RLE procedure, patients never develop cataracts and will never need cataract surgery.