Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in Jacksonville, FL A Long-Term LASIK Alternative for Clearer Vision After 40
If you’re over the age of 40 and experiencing blurry near vision, difficulty reading, or have been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK due to age or prescription strength, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be the life-changing solution you’ve been waiting for.
At Florida Eye Specialists, we offer advanced RLE surgery to help patients throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida achieve long-term visual clarity and freedom from glasses or contacts.
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as RLE, is a proven surgical procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL). Similar to cataract surgery—but performed before cataracts develop—RLE is used to correct:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)
Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape the cornea, RLE focuses on lens replacement, making it a great option for those with high prescriptions or early signs of lens dysfunction.
What Does the RLE Procedure Involve?
RLE is an outpatient procedure performed by our board-certified ophthalmologists in Jacksonville. Here’s what to expect:
- A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea.
- The eye’s natural lens is gently removed.
- A customized intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place.
- No stitches are needed—healing begins immediately.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes per eye and is often performed one eye at a time, a few days apart.
Benefits of Refractive Lens Exchange
- Eliminates or reduces dependence on glasses or contacts
- Corrects high refractive errors that LASIK cannot treat
- Improves near, intermediate, and distance vision
- Prevents cataracts from developing in the future
- Offers a permanent vision correction solution
Patients love that RLE is a one-time procedure that improves not just vision today, but also reduces the risk of vision problems in the years ahead.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RLE?
You may be a candidate for RLE if:
- You are over the age of 40
- You have been diagnosed with presbyopia
- You are not a candidate for LASIK or PRK due to prescription or corneal thickness ● You want a long-term solution to reduce or eliminate glasses
- You want to prevent cataracts later in life
Our experienced surgeons at Florida Eye Specialists will evaluate your eyes and lifestyle goals to help determine if RLE is right for you.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Recovery from Refractive Lens Exchange is generally quick and comfortable. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, with vision improving over the next few days.
- Mild sensitivity to light or blurry vision may occur initially
- Prescription eye drops will be provided for healing
- Final visual outcomes typically stabilize in a few weeks
Follow-up appointments ensure your eyes are healing properly and that you’re seeing clearly.
Are There Risks or Complications?
RLE is a safe and highly effective procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including: ● Dry eyes or glare/halos at night (usually temporary)
- Inflammation or infection (rare and treatable)
- Retinal detachment (rare, but more common in highly nearsighted patients)
Our team at Florida Eye Specialists in Jacksonville uses the latest technology and techniques to minimize risks and provide exceptional outcomes.
Why Choose Florida Eye Specialists for RLE?
With decades of experience in advanced vision correction procedures, our team of fellowship-trained ophthalmologists is trusted by thousands of patients throughout Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, and Northeast Florida.
We’re proud to offer cutting-edge RLE technology, personalized treatment plans, and world-class care—right here in your community.