Refractive Lens Exchange in Richardson & Sunnyvale

Discover Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – A Better Option Than LASIK for Some Patients

Have you been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK Refractive Surgery? If so, you are not alone. Many patients are not ideal candidates for cornea-based refractive laser surgery like LASIK, especially those over 40 with early cataracts or high prescriptions.

At Sweeney Eye Associates, led by Dr. Patrick Sweeney and Dr. Vincent Venincasa, we offer another time-proven, advanced vision correction option: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).

RLE is a breakthrough procedure, very similar to cataract surgery, that provides an excellent alternative to LASIK. With RLE, your surgeon will remove the natural lens of the eye and replace it with a premium intraocular lens (IOL). This allows patients to enjoy clear vision at all distances—near, far, and everything in between—without relying on glasses, contacts, or reading glasses.

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and How Does It Work?

It’s an excellent alternative to laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK or PRK for patients over 40, that want to reduce their need for reading glasses, bifocal and reading glasses.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) can reduce or eliminate large amounts of nearsightedness and farsightedness and therefore may be a better surgical solution than LASIK for high prescriptions.

Great for patients that have early cataracts and are tired of glasses and contact lenses

Eliminates the need for future cataract surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The results are typically long-lasting, providing patients with clear vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses for many years – potentially a lifetime. However, vision can still be affected by age-related changes over time so it’s always important to have regular comprehensive eye exams.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure where the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision. Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape the cornea, RLE addresses refractive errors by changing the focusing power of the lens.

View Video

Suitable candidates for RLE or clear lens exchange are typically individuals over 40 with presbyopia or those with high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Candidates should have stable vision prescriptions and good overall eye health.

Take our RLE Self-Test, which assesses your lifestyle factors, to see if you might be a good candidate for RLE.

Take RLE Self-Test

The benefits of RLE or clear lens exchange include improved vision at multiple distances, long-lasting results, suitability for patients with thin corneas or high refractive errors, and customizable options with premium intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Request Consultation

We offer a wide range of advanced IOLs at Sweeney Eye Associates including:

Advanced LENS Options for RLE:

Light Adjustable Lens (LAL): Watch Video.
The Light Adjustable Lens is a unique option that allows for postoperative adjustments to optimize visual outcomes. After implantation, the lens can be fine-tuned using UV light exposure to achieve the desired vision correction. This flexibility makes it possible to achieve highly customized results for each patient.
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL): Watch Video
he Light Adjustable Lens is a unique option that allows for postoperative adjustments to optimize visual outcomes. After implantation, the lens can be fine-tuned using UV light exposure to achieve the desired vision correction. This flexibility makes it possible to achieve highly customized results for each patient.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs:
Watch Video (VIVITY)
EDOF IOLs offer a continuous range of vision from near to intermediate distances, reducing dependence on glasses.
Multifocal IOLs: Watch Video
Multifocal IOLs offer clear vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses. However, they may cause glare or halos in some patients.
Toric IOLs: Watch Video
Toric IOLs correct astigmatism, providing improved vision with less dependence on glasses or contacts.
Monofocal IOLs: Watch Video
Monofocal IOLs provide clear vision at one fixed distance, usually either for distance vision or near vision. Patients will likely still need glasses for certain activities.
Laser Assisted Technology: Watch Video
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an advanced technique that uses a femtosecond laser to assist with various steps of cataract removal. This technology provides precise incisions, reduces the need for manual techniques, and can enhance the overall safety and accuracy of the procedure. This treatment can improve visual outcomes and potentially reduce recovery time compared to traditional cataract surgery methods.

RLE or clear lens exchange is considered permanent, as the natural lens is replaced with an artificial IOL. While it’s technically possible to remove and replace the IOL, this is not common and is typically done in specific cases.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is typically considered an elective procedure, and as such, it may not be fully covered by insurance, leading to out-of-pocket costs for patients.

However, at Sweeney Eye Associates, we understand the importance of making vision correction accessible and affordable for our patients. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help manage the costs of RLE surgery. Our financing plans are designed to accommodate various budgets and financial situations, ensuring that patients can receive the vision correction they need without undue financial burden. Contact us today to learn more about our financing options and how we can assist you in achieving clear vision and improved eye health through RLE.

Learn More About Financing

If you’re over 40, have a strong prescription or not a good candidate for LASIK, call Sweeney Eye Associates today for a vision correction consultation!

Want to Learn More About Refractive Lens Exchange?

Request an Appointment

$How Refractive Lens Exchange Corrects Your Vision and Prevents Cataracts$

How Refractive Lens Exchange Corrects Your Vision and Prevents Cataracts

September 10, 2024September 10, 2024

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a revolutionary procedure that not only corrects your vision but also offers the unique advantage of preventing cataracts in the future. If you’re over 40 and considering options to improve your vision, RLE might be the perfect solution for you. In this blog, We’ll explore how RLE works, who can…

LASIK | Refractive Lens Exchange | Uncategorized

Through the Lens: Eyeglasses or Vision Correction – What’s Best for You?

May 8, 2024June 13, 2024

Join Dr. Venincasa and Dr. Sweeney, Board-Certified Ophthalmologists with Sweeney Eye Associates, as they delve into the world of vision enhancement, empowering you to make informed decisions about your eye health and visual acuity. Understanding Age-Related Vision Changes As we age, our eyes undergo changes that can impact our ability to see clearly, especially up…

Refractive Lens Exchange