Refractive lens exchange

Clear vision, near and far.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces your natural lens with an advanced implant to restore both distance and reading vision. It’s often a better fit than LASIK for people over 50 and for higher prescriptions.

~15 min

Per eye, as an outpatient

1 week

Usually between eyes

Next day

Most can drive and work, once cleared

3–4 weeks

For vision to fully settle

What is RLE?

The same proven surgery as cataract surgery, on a clear lens.

After about age 40 to 45, the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility and up-close focus fades. This is presbyopia, and it’s why so many people reach for reading glasses.

RLE, also called clear lens exchange, replaces that lens with an implant designed for your vision needs. Because the natural lens is gone, you’ll never develop a cataract in that eye.

Near and far

Premium multifocal lenses can correct distance, intermediate and reading vision.

Fewer readers

Less reliance on reading glasses, bifocals or progressives.

No future cataracts

The natural lens is replaced, so a cataract can’t form.

Built to last

Implants are permanent, with little change in vision over time.

Candidacy

Is RLE right for you?

You’re 50 or older and rely on reading glasses
You have moderate to high farsightedness or nearsightedness
You’re not a good candidate for LASIK or PRK
You have early cataracts that don’t yet affect your vision much

LASIK or lens replacement?

LASIK treats most common prescriptions. For very high prescriptions, farsightedness beyond about +3.00 to +4.00, or unusual corneas, RLE often gives better and more stable results.

Lens choices

Pick the vision that fits your life.

Your lens is chosen during a personal consultation, based on your eyes and how you spend your day.

Monofocal

Sharp vision at one distance, with minimal halos at night. A toric version also corrects astigmatism. Reading glasses are usually needed for close work.

Monovision

One eye is set for distance and the other for near, so many people manage daily tasks without glasses.

Premium multifocal

Clear vision at far, intermediate and near distances, greatly reducing the need for glasses.

Your surgeon

Experience you can trust.

Your surgeon’s experience matters. Dr. M. Reza Neal has served as Medical Director of Anaheim Eye Institute since 2005 and has performed more than 40,000 surgical procedures.

Ask every question you have. We’ll explain each step so you know exactly what to expect.

RLE FAQs

Questions patients ask us.

How is RLE different from cataract surgery?

The surgery is essentially the same. With cataract surgery the lens is cloudy and the goal is clear sight. With RLE the lens is still clear and the goal is less dependence on glasses or contacts.

What is recovery like?

Many people see better right away. Temporary blur, halos or glare, especially at night, are normal. Most resume normal activities within a few days, and vision settles over 3 to 4 weeks.

When can I drive and go back to work?

Usually the next day, once your surgeon confirms it’s safe.

Can people see the implant?

No. The implant is inside your eye and can only be seen during an eye exam.

What are the risks?

RLE carries risks similar to cataract surgery and slightly higher than LASIK or PRK. Sight-threatening complications are rare, and most issues can be treated. Your surgeon will go over them with you.

Your best vision starts here.

Call us

714.533.2020

Visit US

1211 W La Palma Ave, Ste 201
Anaheim, CA 9280

Office hours

Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm
Saturday–Sunday closed