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Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a clear alternative to laser refractive surgery. It can correct any degree of short or long-sightedness and also astigmatism.

It is ideal for people over 50. Sometimes refractive lens exchange is referred to as "Prelex" or "Clarivu".

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive lens exchange removes the natural lens from your eye and replaces it with a lens implant that permanently corrects your focus. You can never develop cataracts after this procedure. The procedure is the same as a cataract operation, using a sophisticated, aspheric implant. Mr Quinn and Mr Byles have each performed many thousands of these procedures and are able to give you the highest possible level of care. It takes just 20 minutes and you can go home the same day.

Implants can correct both near and distance vision, and toric implants correct astigmatism. Mr Byles and Mr Quinn will advise you on the best lens for your eyes.

You will see your Consultant every step of the way, from your consultation through to your surgery and aftercare. You will have your surgeon's mobile and home phone numbers for complete peace of mind after the procedure.

Refractive lens exchange with Exeter Laser Eye Surgeons can give you a whole new quality of life. So many others have benefited from this procedure, book your consultation with us.
Call us on 01392 495874 or 01392 431255.

All refractive cataract surgery will be referred to and carried out by Mr Quinn and Mr Byles under the auspices of  Exeter Eye (Consultant Eye Surgeons Partnership South West LLP).

Attend a FREE information evening with a complimentary one on one session with one
of our Surgeons.

Lenses used in refractive lens exchange can be:

• Single focus intraocular lenses – to correct long or short sightedness
• Dual focus intraocular lenses – to correct both long and short sightedness
• Toric intraocular lenses – to correct astigmatism.

Intraocular lens technology means we can correct astigmatism with the lens implant, using a toric intraocular lens. Other implants can correct both distance vision and near vision, or using a combination of lens implants (one for each eye) to give ‘blended’ vision, correcting distance vision with your dominant eye and near vision with your non-dominant eye. Many people will have already had this ‘blended’ vision with their contact lenses, to lessen the need for reading glasses as they get older.

If this sounds like too many options, don’t worry. Your Consultant Surgeon will listen carefully to your needs and discuss the options with you, advising you on how best to achieve your visual goals.

RLE is also a good option if your optometrist or eye surgeon detects the early stages of cataracts in your eyes. With RLE surgery, your natural lens is removed, so there will be no possibility of a cataract developing in future.

Refractive Lens Exchange procedure

Just as with laser eye surgery, we’ll accurately measure your eyes and your unique focusing error. We use the very latest technology, including the state-of-the-art Zeiss IOL Master 700, to take incredibly precise measurements of your eyes. Using these measurements, your artificial lens implants are tailor-made for your eyes, to custom-correct your unique vision imperfection. We use the Oculus Pentacam to help us detect and guide correction of any astigmatism, and choose the ideal intraocular lens for your eyes. These 2 instruments are the most up to date and accurate technologies available.

RLE surgery is relatively fast, painless and safe – just like laser eye surgery. It is performed under local anaesthetic, and the procedure itself only takes a few minutes. Thanks to our advanced technology, no sutures are needed. Afterwards, you’ll be able to go home almost straight away, and you should be able to resume normal activities, such as driving, walking and sports, in a few days. Your vision will be very good the day after surgery, and better again, the next day. You will have eye drops to use for six weeks.

Your surgeon will only carry out RLE surgery on one eye at a time, and you’ll be able to have your second RLE operation after two to four weeks .

Risks associated with RLE surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks with RLE surgery, but these risks must be balanced with the difficulties of living with a vision imperfection. For RLE, the risks are the same as cataract surgery, and include infection, haemorrhage, inflammation and retinal detachment. However, any complications from RLE surgery are very rare.

Symfony Lens Implants

Mr Quinn and Mr Byles are now offering patients the AMO Technis Symfony intraocular lens for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange. This lens implant replaces the cataract and gives an extended range of focus, often resulting in excellent distance, intermediate and reading vision. Symfony lens implants can correct astigmatism at the same time as other visual problems.

If you would like to discuss either of these procedures, contact us on 01392 431255 or 01392 495874 for a consultation with Mr Quinn or Mr Byles

FLACS and Symfony slide show

Take the first step towards clearer vision, and arrange your initial consultation with Mr Quinn or Mr Byles today. Contact us now to book your consultation.

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