The Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as custom lens replacement, is a revolutionary way to achieve visual freedom from eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most of us know about cataract surgery where the cloudy lens in the eye is replaced by an artificial lens. With RLE, patients can choose to replace their natural lens with a more powerful artificial lens whether or not they have cataracts. This surgery will correct your vison—both near and far—permanently. Since the replacement lens is artificial, it will not develop a cataract as you age. NYEE offers a wide variety of intraocular lens implants including:

• Monofocal lens
• Multi-focal lens
• Extended depth of field lens
• Toric lens
• Light adjustable lens

We will work with you to customize your treatment plan based on your eye health, lifestyle, and budget to help you achieve near perfect vision for distances near, far, and in between, as well as correct astigmatism.  

The RLE surgery is very similar to cataract surgery where the natural lens is broken up and gently removed from the eye and a new intraocular lens is positioned in its place. 

Am I a Candidate for Custom Lens Replacement?

A thorough preoperative exam and consultation with a board certified ophthalmologist is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). The initial pre-operative eye exam will measure the curvature of the eye, and check corneal thickness, pupil size, tear production, and overall eye health. Your ophthalmologist will also discuss your vison goals and your lifestyle. All of these factors are taken into consideration when determining if a patient is a candidate for laser eye surgery as well as which procedure is best for their individual case. Patients should use this opportunity to ask questions about the implant options and what they can do for your vision.

It is likely you are an excellent candidate for the RLE procedure if you meet the following conditions:

• Dependent on bifocal, varifocal, or multifocal contact lenses or glasses.
• Patients who are not good candidates for other refractive procedures.
• Patients who had LASIK when they were younger but now need reading glasses due to presbyopia.

Your ophthalmologist will be able to advise what procedure may be right for you based on your eye and overall health.