Treatment
RLE – refractive lens exchange
Replacing your own lens with an artificial lens – even without a cataract.
What is an RLE?
In a refractive lens exchange the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced by an artificial lens – technically just as in cataract surgery, except that your own lens is still clear or only slightly clouded.
When can it be useful?
Above all from around the age of 50, when presbyopia is increasing and a refractive error is present at the same time. Also with early clouding of the lens or when corneal laser treatment is not suitable.
Difference from the ICL
The ICL supplements your own lens and preserves near focusing in younger eyes – but it does not correct presbyopia. In an RLE your own lens is replaced: near focusing is permanently lost, but the choice of artificial lens makes it possible to cover more than one distance. And: a cataract can no longer develop later.
Which lens types are possible?
The same concepts as in cataract surgery – from monofocal lenses through toric lenses to EDOF and trifocal lenses. Which one suits your eye is explained in detail on our page about premium lenses.
Advantages and limits
Advantages: a permanently stable result, a broad range of correctable refractive errors, no cataract operation later. Limits: it is a procedure inside the eye and is not reversible; your own near focusing is permanently gone afterwards.
Risks & limits – said openly
As with every lens operation, inflammation, a rise in pressure, secondary cataract or – rarely – a retinal detachment are possible; in strongly short-sighted eyes this risk is increased. The decision is weighed up individually according to age, remaining accommodation, retinal status and your visual needs. There is no guarantee of freedom from glasses.
We offer this treatment in Stadtmitte . Appointments can only be booked at these locations.
Appointment in RLE – refractive lens exchange