Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an effective and popular treatment that is used to correct refractive errors.
Lens
Replacement
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a safe and effective treatment used to correct a range of refractive errors — helping to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Whether caused by the shape of your cornea or changes in your lens, refractive errors affect how light enters the eye and reaches the retina. RLE can offer a long-term solution and clearer vision.
What causes
refractive errors?
Refractive errors can be caused by several different factors. Many children develop myopia in childhood when they undergrow a period of rapid growth and their eye grows too long compared to the focusing power of the lens.
However, refractive eye errors can also be caused by:
A change in the shape of your eye
A naturally flatter or steeper cornea (rather than a perfect, even dome)
A generally uneven cornea
A lens that is thicker or thinner than normal
Your eye being too short compared to its focusing power
Refractive Lens
Exchange Cost
FROM
Initial Consultation
Treatment
Pre-Assessment
Main Treatment
Aftercare
Guide Price
£250
Included
Included
Included
Included
£4,350
Understanding Glaucoma
Your eye is made up of many different elements. However, the way in which your eyesight works is fairly straightforward.
Firstly, light enters your eye through a domed, clear disc that covers the front part, called the cornea. It then passes through the pupil, which adjusts in size in response to the light to decide how much to let through, before the lens of your eye (which is behind it) focuses it onto an area at the back of your eye called the retina. Packed with photoreceptive cells, the retina turns this light into electrical signals that are sent up the optic nerve to the brain, which tells you what you can see.
Refractive eye errors occur when the shape of your eye means that light isn’t refracted onto the retina. This means that the electrical signals sent to the brain aren’t quite right and the images you see appear blurred and out of focus.
Step 1
Consultation
& Diagnosis
Meet with your specialist ophthalmologist to determine if RLE is right for you.
Full vision and eye health assessment
Discussion of any existing refractive errors or early cataracts
Explanation of your lens options and expected outcomes
Step 3
The Procedure
A quick and precise day-case surgery to replace your eye’s natural lens.
Numbing anaesthetic drops to keep you comfortable
Use of ultrasound to gently remove the lens
Insertion of your new, high-quality artificial lens
Home the same day with minimal downtime
Step 2
Your Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your vision needs and lifestyle, we’ll tailor your procedure.
Selection of the most suitable intraocular lens (IOL)
Clear explanation of the surgical process
Opportunity to ask questions and discuss expectations
Step 4
Aftercare & Results
Post-surgery care and long-term vision clarity.
Use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops
Follow-up appointments to check healing and vision
Clearer vision typically within 2 weeks
Ongoing support if you experience any side effects
Your Refractive Lens
Exchange Journey
From diagnosis to aftercare, we’re here to guide you through every step of your treatment with expertise and reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most refractive errors are detected at routine eye exams, where your usual optometrist may recommend prescription eyewear. Glasses and contact lenses are the usual first line of treatment for refractive errors.
However, some people find that their use of contact lenses or glasses affects their quality of life, and they prefer to enjoy the freedom of clear vision with less reliance on corrective eyewear.
If this is the case for you, you may wish to consider your suitability for a procedure known as refractive lens exchange (RLE) — available at Sana Health.
People who are considered to be good candidates for RLE are typically:
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Over the age of 40
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Have some early signs of cataract formation
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Are not suitable for laser eye surgery such as LASIK
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Are frustrated by wearing contact lenses or glasses
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If you require surgery on both eyes, these will usually be carried out at least one week apart to allow your eyes time to recover between each procedure.
There are two main types of intraocular lenses that are used in refractive lens exchange.
These are:
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Monofocal. Monofocal lenses are set to improve your vision at just one set distance, which is usually for far/driving distance.
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Multifocal. Multifocal lenses can improve your vision at different distances, including intermediate and near vision.
Your Sana Health ophthalmology team will discuss which intraocular lens is right for you with you at your consultation.
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There are four main types of refractive eye error.
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Myopia. By far the most common refractive error, it is characterised by the ability to see nearby objects clearly, but those further away appear blurred. It’s also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness.
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Hyperopia. The opposite of myopia, nearby objects appear blurred and out of focus, but those further away can be seen much more clearly. It’s also known as farsightedness or longsightedness.
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Presbyopia. An age-related refractive error where the natural lens of the eye becomes less flexible, causing close objects to gradually appear out of focus, even if you can’t see well at a distance either.
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Astigmatism. In astigmatism, some part of the eye (either the cornea or lens) is more curved than it should be. This causes objects to appear blurry at all distances.
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