LaserVision

Q&A Series: Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ’s

LASIK laser eye surgery: Procedure, Results and Recovery

LaserVision offers a comprehensive range of bespoke Refractive Lens Exchange treatment options. In simple terms, this means that each patient benefits from new, personalised lenses, which provide the best and most accurate correction for their vision.

When it comes to any eye related treatment, there are always a lot of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Refractive Lens Exchange:

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a treatment that provides more visibility and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. When patients want to see more clearly without glasses or contact lenses, patients can choose either corneal-based surgery or lens-based surgery. Refractive lens exchange is lens-based surgery.

The surgery itself involves a minuscule incision made to the eye so that the natural lens can be removed and the new intraocular lens (IOL) can be positioned. Stitches are not required in most cases.

Is Refractive Lens Exchange Safe?

Like any surgery, there are risks involved. With that being said, refractive lens exchange involves the same process as cataract surgery. Since cataract surgery is one of the most common eye treatments and safest surgeries globally, refractive lens exchange is equally safe. 

Your Professional Eye Surgeon will guide you through the process and assist you in making the best choice for your vision.

What type of anaesthesia is used during the RLE treatment?

For this treatment, the numbing agents used consist of relaxing medication and a local anesthetic. Your anesthesia will be monitored throughout your treatment to help ensure a pleasant, comfortable and pain free experience.

Will I need to have RLE or another cataract surgery repeated later?

We love to inform patients that the answer is, No! RLE is a permanent procedure and the cataract problem is solved for life.

Why doesn’t RLE use a laser?

Unlike a LASIK procedure that uses a laser to shape your cornea, RLE works differently by replacing the lens in your eye all together. This procedure is very similar to one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries, cataract surgery.

Will I still need glasses?

Unfortunately this answer can not be provided via this blog as the procedure for each patient must be assessed on an individual basis but, in a large number of cases, glasses are no longer required at all. Whether or not you need glasses depends on the needs of your laser vision correction and the type of IOL your doctor recommends. Following your doctor’s examination of your eyes they will recommend a specific IOL, and be able to give you a realistic prognosis.

For more FAQ’s and information regarding our Refractive Lens Exchange surgery please click here. To book a consultation at your nearest LaserVision clinic online, click here, or call 0800 024 8888 to discuss your requirements in detail.

fred chow
fred chow
2023-11-24
Mr Tappin, top consultant and trusted surgeon for your cataract!
Jason Green
Jason Green
2023-09-06
Professional competent advice and absolutely no pressure to make a decision. I could not have predicted how much this procedure has changed my life in such a positive way. Thank you team.
Lelita Baldock
Lelita Baldock
2023-07-25
Dr Tappin and the team at LaserVision were amazing. I underwent Lasik corrective surgery and the process could not have been smoother. I was guided through the process with care and professionalism throughout. My results have been outstanding. I could not have asked for more from the team at LaserVision and I am truly grateful for my new vision.
Robert & Gia Anderson
Robert & Gia Anderson
2023-06-08
Utterly professional and caring from start to finish. I was quite nervous about having laser but am so pleased with the results. There has always been someone to advise and support every step of the way and patient care and well being really is the priority here. Thank you for looking after me and my eyes so well.
NewestToad
NewestToad
2023-04-24
Really excellent level of care from Mr. Rakesh - great communication, excellent standard of care, no complaints whatsoever, top notch service!
Christina Cook
Christina Cook
2023-04-17
Mr Tappin and his team are very professional and efficient. The whole experience from beginning to end was done with ease. I highly recommend.
Amanda Thorsen
Amanda Thorsen
2023-03-10
Dr Jayaswal has been amazing and changed my life. He made me feel so comfortable and relaxed in his care at the first meet, to remembering me with a personalised greeting, calmly explaining the procedure and reassuring me all the way through the surgery. I couldn’t recommend him enough for Lasik eye surgery - I now have perfect vision, a real dream come true! Thank you so much!
Nikki Blake
Nikki Blake
2023-02-02
Fantastic process from beginning to end - professional yet incredibly personable. The professional team, especially Mr Tappin, made me feel at ease throughout and the surgery was a great success.
April Dansie
April Dansie
2022-12-22
I had lens replacement surgery. After being both short sighted and long sighted for decades I can now see near and far without glasses or contact lens. It really is amazing. The care was great and so far the recovery has been easy.
George Judge
George Judge
2022-11-03
Amazing service from start to finish, I had LASIK surgery in August this year after years of consideration I finally took the plunge and went for the surgery with Mr Tappin. Mr Mike Tappin and his team were brilliant from the consultation right through to the surgery and aftercare. Mr Tappin and his team were very reassuring throughout the surgery and put me at ease every step of the way. If you are thinking about having laser eye treatment or at the start of your journey with it, I would highly recommend seeing Mr Tappin and his team!
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