Refractive Lens Exchange

In refractive lens exchange surgery (RLE), the body’s natural crystalline lens is removed and replaced with an aphakic intraocular lens (IOL) through Clear Lens Extraction and Replacement surgery (CLEAR). Although this surgery is very similar to that associated with cataract surgery, it differs in that RLE is performed solely to improve vision and not to remove a cataract-clouded lens.

Although refractive lens exchange surgery is decidedly more invasive than traditional forms of laser refractive surgery such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK, it may be the only solution for patients who require certain types of vision correction or have certain conditions of their eyes (i.e. thin corneas), that preclude traditional forms of laser refractive surgery. However, like LASIK and its alternatives, your health insurance most likely will not cover the cost of RLE surgery.

Please click on the form on this page to learn about implantable lenses and all types of LASIK, LASEK and PRK laser refractive surgery.