RLE FAQs

Below is a list of questions commonly asked about Refractive Lens Exchange surgery. If you do not find the answer to your specific question, please email us or call us directly at 650-961-2585.

• Am I a candidate for RLE surgery?
• How is RLE different from cataract surgery?
• What are the differences in lenses?
• Can RLE cure astigmatism?
• Is the RLE procedure painful?
• Will I still have to wear glasses following surgery?
• What are the risks of RLE surgery?
• What are the benefits of RLE surgery?

Am I a candidate for RLE surgery?

You may be a candidate if you:

• are over age 50 and having trouble with your vision
• do not qualify for laser vision correction such as LASIK or do not like monovision
• have presbyopia and want to eliminate reading glasses

How is RLE different from cataract surgery?

RLE and cataract surgery are essentially the same surgery. It’s just that they are performed for different reasons. RLE is an elective procedure done to improve one’s vision and eliminate the need for glasses. Removing the cataract in cataract surgery is done for medical reasons. Glasses and contact lenses can not correct your vision if you have a significant cataract in your eye.

What are the differences in lenses?

IOL’s come in many sizes, shapes and materials. Each has a unique characteristics and capabilities.

Single Power Lenses

• Corrects only distance vision
• Does not accommodate in eye
• Glasses required

Restor Multifocal Lens

• Multifocal design allow for distance and near visual acuity
• Over 80% of patients NEVER wear glasses
• New asheric design greatly reduces halos at night

Accommodating Lens

• Single focal point
• Increased depth of field compared to standard lens
• Uses eye’s natural focusing mechanism

Can RLE cure astigmatism?

RLE does not correct astigmatism because astigmatism is not caused by the lens, itself, but by an irregularly shaped cornea. However, if you have an astigmatism, Drs. Beers and Volpicelli can perform astigmatism reducing corneal incisions at the time of your procedure or LASIK 24 weeks after you’ve had RLE.

Is the RLE procedure painful?

No. Drs. Volpicelli and Beers will give you Valium to relax you and will place anesthetic drops in your eye. The procedure only takes about 20 minutes.

Will I still have to wear glasses after surgery?

Because Drs. Beers and Volpicelli generally use the Restor Multifocal or Crystalens® accommodating lens which have the ability to focus both near and far, many of our patients no longer need glasses.

What are the risks of RLE surgery?

The risks associated with RLE surgery are the same as the risks associated with cataract surgery. There is a very low risk of infection since Drs. Volpicelli and Beers will prescribe antibiotic drops after surgery. The chances of a retinal detachment are slightly higher for people who are very nearsighted and have had cataract surgery.

What are the benefits of RLE surgery?

The biggest benefit of RLE surgery is you will have much clearer, more precise vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses. Another strong advantage to the surgery is that you will never have a cataract in that eye because your lens has been removed.