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What is refractive lens exchange (RLE)?
IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION
Everything you need to know about refractive lens exchange (RLE)
IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
The refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure is a type of lens replacement surgery. It is a popular treatment used to improve vision while minimising the need for visual aids such as reading glasses and contact lenses. 
This surgical procedure removes the natural lens of your eye and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens(IOL). The procedure is similar to cataract surgery, except healthy lenses are replaced instead of opaque/cloudy ones to improve refractive error and focus.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists suggests refractive lens exchange is available to anyone with a vision prescription. It can particularly be beneficial to people over the age of 50 if they:
- Have such a high prescription that LASIK or PRK may not be suitable for them, or
- Are experiencing the preliminary stages of cataract development
According to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, refractive lens exchanges prevent cataracts later in life, since synthetic implants do not develop cataracts.
If you are suffering from a condition like cataracts, our team of highly skilled surgeons can help you find the best course of treatment to suit your needs.
At Eye Clinic London we offer three main types of IOLs to replace the natural lens:
- Monofocal IOLs – these types of lenses offer a fixed focus and provide a clear vision at either distance, intermediate or near ranges but never at all three. Toric IOLs are also a type of Monofocal IOLs but are specifically used to correct astigmatism.
- Multifocal IOLs – these types of lenses offer a clear vision at multiple distance ranges.
- Accommodating IOLs – are a type of monofocal lens that adapts to multiple distances by shifting its position in the eye.
The eye surgeons at Eye clinic London have all the knowledge and experience to assist you in choosing lenses that are the most suitable for your individual needs, as there is “no size fits it all”.
Refractive lens exchange is very similar to routine cataract surgery. Once we extract the existing lens, we replace it with a specific intraocular lens that gives you the clear vision you were always intended to have.
- Before your surgery, you will have an initial consultation with your surgeon where you will undergo all the necessary diagnostics and discuss the procedure in more detail, as well as any possible risks or complications and vision expectations after surgery.
- The procedure will last from 20 to 40 mins and you will be discharged home after a short period of time on the same day.
- On the day of your surgery, numbing anaesthetic eye drops will be administered to your eyes to ensure that you do not feel anything during the procedure.
- To begin, a small incision will be made on the surface of your eye before a tiny probe is inserted to allow our surgeons to safely remove your natural lens.
- Your new synthetic lens will then be put in place. Your new lens will morph to adopt a comfortable position in your eye.
It is important to note that you may feel slight discomfort once your eye drops have worn off. This is nothing to worry about, and your surgeon will offer you some aftercare advice on how to deal with this.
At Eye Clinic London, we pride ourselves on giving our patients the attentive aftercare that they deserve to help guide them through the process from start to finish.
RLE is a quick procedure, and this also reflects the recovery time too. Recovery time will vary between patients but will typically take anywhere between three to four days. You will be safe to return to work a few days after the treatment.
In some cases, as your eyes heal, patients may notice vision disturbances such as blurry vision, halos and glare, or a “scratchy” feeling in the eyes. These can last for up to several weeks for the final results of the refractive lens exchange to be noticed. However, you should be able to return to work and resume driving within a week of surgery, depending on your eye surgeon’s instructions.
The artificial intraocular lenses are designed to replace your natural lenses and last for the rest of your life. In addition, there is a minimal risk of regression, vision deterioration in the future over time.
We aid our client’s recovery by supplying attentive aftercare, and our surgeons can help you feel at ease if you are experiencing any discomfort after your treatment. Please note – that your eyes may be blurry after your treatment. However, this is nothing to worry about.
RLE is an ideal treatment for those who are not suitable for laser eye surgery. It is most suitable for patients over the age of 50 as they are more likely to experience health issues such as cataracts and glaucoma. However, some younger patients can be considered after the initial consultation and diagnostic tests performed in the clinic.
Although Refractive Lens Exchange surgery has a proven track record of safety and reliability, all surgeries involve some degree of risk, which should be discussed with the surgeon in detail. Here are some of the risks associated with Refractive Lens Exchange:
- Retinal detachment
- Increased eye pressure (intraocular hypertension)
- Infection or bleeding inside the eye
- Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
- Glare, halos and blurry vision from multifocal IOL
It is important to note that these risks can be avoided if your surgery is carried out by an experienced surgeon, like Samer Hamada at Eye Clinic London. Always do your research on the clinic and surgeon before undergoing the treatment. Look for the right certifications and read reviews online.
Refractive lens exchange has supplied patients with life-changing results. Generally, reviews online surrounding this treatment are overwhelmingly positive. Many patients that have had the surgery believe that it has dramatically improved their vision and found convenience in the fact that they no longer have to rely on visual aids.
The surgery itself is also quick and efficient; at Eye Clinic London, we build good relationships with our patients to help them feel comfortable and at ease throughout each step of the process. Many reviews also praise the treatment for boosting their confidence. They no longer have to hide behind their visual aids.
RLE is a complex treatment that requires highly skilled surgeons to give your eyes the attention they deserve. Therefore, the cost of the procedure can be high. However, for the reward of permanent vision solutions, we believe it is a small price to pay. The price of RLE at Eye Clinic London starts from £2,495 per eye. The price includes:
- Initial consultation and follow-up
- The procedure itself
- The work of highly skilled surgeons
- Aftercare
Please note that if you have private health insurance, the consultations are usually covered by your insurer. It is advised that you check with your insurer before going ahead with the procedure.
Eye Clinic London is a team of highly experienced surgeons who all have the same aim – to give their patients the high-quality treatments they deserve. RLE offers clients life-changing benefits, and we would love to be part of your journey to achieving a better quality of vision and life. We pride ourselves on giving our patients high-quality treatments and taking the time to cater our services to your specific needs.
Eye Clinic London can help you achieve your desired vision goals. So, why not book a consultation today and speak directly to one of our trusted team members. It’s time to wave goodbye to visual aids and say hello to a brighter future.
Who needs refractive lens exchange?
IF YOU’RE OVER 50 AND ANY OF THE CHALLENGES BELOW SOUND FAMILIAR, WE CAN HELP YOU
YOU’RE DEPENDENT ON GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES TO SEE CLEARLY
You’re over 50 and have a refractive error which means you need glasses for reading, near and distance vision.
You experience headaches, eyestrain, fatigue and squinting. This concoction of symptoms can make you feel inconvenienced and irritated. Luckily, glasses can correct these common eye problems. But they come at a cost. The constant cleaning, the de-fogging, the breaking, the switching pairs, pushing them up, taking them off, leaving them behind, the list goes on.
You may not like the look or feel of your glasses, or have to switch between pairs for distance to near vision tasks.
Even contact lenses come with their own set of issues; the dryness, the serious risk of eye infection or computer vision syndrome, and that terrifying moment when one gets lost behind your eye.
There’s no disputing that you should be able to see clearly with the eyes you were born with. With modern refractive surgery, we can correct your eye problem safely and effectively, so that you can obtain the vision you were always supposed to have.
How does refractive lens exchange impact people day by day?
THE BEST THING ABOUT REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE IS…
YOU HAVE BRILLIANTLY CLEAR VISION WITHOUT VISUAL AIDS
We have corrected your visual error, and everything is sharp and in focus. You no longer depend on your glasses and contact lenses to see clearly.
YOU FEEL ALERT, CONFIDENT AND LIBERATED
Glasses are no longer dictating the way you look or getting in the way. Your risk of infection from contact lenses is eliminated. You have the freedom and energy to do anything you want.
YOU ARE NO LONGER INCONVENIENCED BY VISUAL AIDS
Right from the moment you wake up, you can read the time on your phone and watch the morning news without having to reach for your glasses or contacts. You can go out for a run or do some work on your computer without them falling off or harbouring dirt. You can fall into bed after a late-night without having to remove them first.
YOU ARE ABLE TO RECONNECT WITH THE WORLD
Your glasses no longer dominate your appearance. The people you meet will see you as you really are and can no longer make superficial judgements or evaluations. Your world is no longer framed and narrower as a result.
YOU CAN REVEAL YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
With so many safe and effective refractive surgery procedures available, it seems ridiculous to rely on a medical device to see clearly. A more spontaneous, physical and free you is in there, you’ve just got to get off the fence and make it happen.
I am fee-assured by private medical insurance providers
I AM PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED BY THE FOLLOWING INSURERS
How my eye care services work
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: CONTACT US
Give us a call on 0203 807 5063 or click the button below to book a consultation to figure out which cataract options suit you best.
STEP 2: LET’S MEET
Visit our clinic in London’s Harley Street district and I’ll show you how you can both beat the cataract surgery queues AND read again without glasses.
STEP 3: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Get the richness of life back in full colour! And (if you’re suitable), you might even decided to restore your natural reading vision at the same time.
Affiliations and memberships
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Patient Reviews
MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS
“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”
“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”
“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”
“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”
“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”
“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”
“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Helpful links to more information on refractive errors and surgery
COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FROM TRUSTED AUTHORITIES
About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.