Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a long-term solution for clear vision – through a range of distances – without glasses or contact lenses.

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What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is designed for adults over 50 who want freedom from glasses or readers. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, RLE replaces the natural lens with a clear, advanced implant. This makes it especially effective for people who are already experiencing age-related near-vision loss (presbyopia). By removing the natural lens and implanting a new one, RLE improves vision now and also ensures you’ll never develop a cataract in the future.

Benefits of RLE

Reduces or eliminates dependence on glasses
Provides a safe, proven alternative to LASIK for adults over 50
Prevents cataracts from ever developing
Offers long-term stability and clear vision

How the Procedure Works

RLE is nearly identical to cataract surgery, with one important difference: it’s done before a cataract forms. Dr. Rodriguez removes your natural lens and replaces it with a custom-selected lens implant. This lens is chosen to match your lifestyle, allowing you to see clearly at the distances most important to you, with very little dependence on glasses.

The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis in our accredited, in-office surgical suite. Most patients notice improved vision within days.

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Is RLE Right for You?

Refractive Lens Exchange is is often recommended for people who:

Struggle with age-related near vision loss (presbyopia)
Want greater freedom from glasses
Don't adjust well to bifocals or monovision contact lenses
Are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK

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“It feels incredible not having to reach for glasses every morning.”

Surgical Excellence, Delivered In-Office

Dr. Yasaira Rodriguez, board-certified ophthalmologist and lens replacement specialist, combines surgical precision with a warm, personal approach, ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.

Your procedure can be performed in our office surgical suite. This offers a safe, comfortable environment without the added steps of a hospital or surgery center, making the process more convenient and efficient.

Advanced lens implant options tailored to your visual goals
Laser-assisted cataract surgery for greater precision
In-office surgery for max convenience: no IV and no fasting, for a smoother, easier preparation process
Highly trained surgical and support team dedicated to your comfort

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery is typically quick. You’ll need a driver on the day of your procedure, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Vision continues to improve as your eyes heal, and our team follows up closely to ensure you’re comfortable and healing well.

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Why Patients Choose RLE

All-Distance Clarity

Unlike many vision procedures, advanced RLE lenses are designed to give you seamless vision at near, intermediate, and far distances — reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses at every range.

Future-Proof Vision

Because RLE replaces the aging natural lens, it also prevents cataracts from ever developing, giving you peace of mind that your vision won’t worsen due to lens changes later in life.

Tailored to Your Lifestyle

From avid golfers to readers to night drivers, the choice of lens implant is customized to your daily activities so your results support the way you actually live.

Vision After Refractive Lens Exchange

After RLE, patients enjoy the freedom of seeing clearly at the distances that matter most in their daily lives. Whether you want crisp vision for driving, working on a screen, or reading a book, your lens choice can be tailored to your goals. Because the natural lens is replaced, cataracts can never return, giving you lasting clarity and confidence in your vision.

Advanced multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lens implants provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, reducing dependence on glasses.
Toric lens implant or laser-assisted surgery can correct astigmatism for sharper distance vision with less need for glasses.

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