Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
What is RLE Surgery?
At LASIK MD, our Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure is called Lens PresbyVisionTM. This permanent solution replaces the eyeʼs natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL), greatly reducing your need for reading glasses (correcting both near and distance vision) while also eliminating the possibility of developing cataracts. Recovery is quick, and results are long-lasting.
LASIK MD has performed over 100,000 Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedures, helping thousands of patients enjoy clearer vision.
Am I a good candidate for RLE?
- Over 50 experiencing age‑related vision changes
- Seeking a long-term alternative to glasses or contacts
- Not candidates for LASIK or PRK
- Wearing bifocals, progressive lenses, or readers
If near vision changes are affecting your daily activities, RLE may be an option. Our clinical team evaluates your vision to help determine the solution best suited to your eyes.
Benefits of RLE surgery
- Enjoy an improved quality of life
- Typically a quick recovery and little downtime
- A permanent solution for presbyopia
- Greatly reduces the dependence on reading glasses, bifocals, and progressive lenses
- Prevents cataracts from developing in the future
"I’ve been wearing glasses for 20 years, and I’ve finally regained functional vision, just like when I was in my 20s, 30s, or 40s. I really feel like I’ve just solved a problem that was holding me back."
Pierre Lavoie
Endurance athlete & co-founder of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie
What to expect with RLE
The procedure generally requires roughly 20 minutes of operating room time, during which phacoemulsification, the process in which the lens is carefully removed from the eye, is administered.
The surgeon creates a tiny incision in the eye, where the lens will be inserted.
The surgeon uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to remove the natural crystalline lens of the eye. Through this specialized and precise instrument, called a phacoemulsifier, the natural lens is then removed.
The natural lens is replaced with a new foldable artificial lens.
The new lens unfolds and takes the place of the natural lens, for an easy and smooth transition. The procedure is completed, with no stitches required, allowing for a speedy self-healing process. The procedure generally takes less than 15 minutes per eye.
IOL procedures offer extremely fast recovery: Within hours of the surgery, the incision will begin to heal. Most patients are able to resume day-to-day activities just 24 hours after the surgery.
Proven and reliable procedure
Worldwide, over 50 million intraocular lenses (IOL) have been implanted in patients.
During a Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure, your natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear, long-lasting vision.
RLE lenses
The type of lens selected will depend on your eyes, lifestyle, and visual needs. Our clinical team will guide you through the differences and help determine the option best suited to your eyes.
Monofocal lenses
These lenses focus at one distance, typically far, providing clear distance vision. With a monofocal lens, reading glasses may still be required for close-up tasks like reading a label.
Trifocal lenses
Designed to offer clear vision at all distances: near, intermediate, and far. Trifocal lenses can replace bifocals and progressive lenses, offering clear vision at multiple distances.
Toric lenses
Specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. These lenses correct irregular corneal curvature, delivering sharper, more stable vision.
More about Bausch & Lomb lenses
Bausch & Lomb Vista
The enVista monofocal lens aims to deliver superb visual quality while also providing excellent contrast sensitivity. Approved by Health Canada in 2012, it also is designed to be glistening-free, meaning it does not cause stray light to hit your retina, avoiding the creation of bursts – this feature of the lens leads to higher-quality vision. A toric version is also available to treat those patients who have astigmatism. A wide range of patients report high satisfaction with this lens.
Bausch & Lomb FineVision
The FineVision lens features a series of rings that diffract light to provide clear vision at Far, Intermediate and Near distances, hence the name FineVision. Approved by the FDA in 2012, the lens is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses for presbyopic patients, and additionally those who receive this lens noted an improvement in nighttime halos and glare after their procedure. A toric version is also an option for those with astigmatism.
More about Alcon lenses
Alcon Acrysof IQ Vivity
The Acrysof IQ Vivity lens has been designed for precision and performance to aid people who have developed age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia. Approved by the FDA in 2020, the lens aims to eliminate the need for glasses at intermediate and far vision while reducing the need for glasses for near-vision activities, and offers a low number of visual disturbances. Patients with a Vivity lens implant report low levels of starbursts, halos, and glare. Additionally, Acrysof's lenses are known for consistently delivering reliable results. Patients have said that the Vivity lens has “certainly enhanced the comfort and pleasure of [their] life.”
Alcon PanOptix
Receiving FDA approval in 2019, the PanOptix trifocal lens aids in offering clear vision at close, intermediate, and far distances, and delivers bright and vivid colours. A toric version of the lens is also available to help astigmatic patients. In terms of results, 99% of people who have had the PanOptix lens implanted would choose the same lens again, and 98% of people with the lens would recommend it to their family and friends.1 Patients have said that the lens has provided them with a full range of vision and that they would have “never imagined having this kind of vision.”
Glasses vs. RLE: A permanent option
Consideration | Reading Glasses / Bifocals / Progressives / Readers | Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) |
|---|---|---|
Duration | Temporary (prescription changes over time) | Permanent (one procedure, lasting results) |
Daily effort | Must be worn, stored, and replaced regularly | No daily maintenance required |
Vision range | Limited to the focal range of the lens | Near, intermediate, and distance with premium IOLs |
Cataract risk | No protective benefit | Eliminates the possibility of developing cataracts |
Long-term cost | Ongoing expense: new prescriptions, frames, and lenses | One-time investment with lasting value |
See what our patients are saying about RLE procedure
"4 weeks post RLE procedure and doing very well. Everything was explained and went off with no issues. They are very thorough and caring. Highly recommend."
- Brenda Dooley
"I am so please with the result of my RLE procedure. Today I went to my post-op apointment. I was so excited to discovered that my vision now is better the 20/20, lets say betwen 20/15 and 20/10 JUST WOW!"
- Lyne Duberry
"I'm so happy to be able to write this comment without glasses!!! Thank you LASIK for your professionalism, for the guidance and support. My intervention for presbyopia has enormously improved my quality of life :-)"
- Caroline Lemelin
Are you ready to be next?
A consultation is the first step to understanding whatʼs best for your vision.
FAQs
Why RLE vs LASIK?
LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, making it ideal for younger patients with healthy lenses. RLE, on the other hand, replaces the eyeʼs natural lens with an artificial one — making it better suited for people 50+ experiencing presbyopia or relying on readers. RLE also prevents future cataracts, while LASIK does not.
How long does RLE last?
RLE is designed to be a permanent vision correction solution. The artificial lens placed during the procedure doesnʼt age or wear out — and it canʼt develop cataracts. Once itʼs in, itʼs meant to last for the rest of your life, giving you long-term clarity without the ups and downs of your natural lens.
What is the recovery time after RLE?
The recovery is usually quick, with most patients back to their normal routine within 24 hours.
Can RLE be reversed?
RLE canʼt be fully reversed because your natural lens is permanently removed during the procedure. However, the artificial lens (IOL) that replaces it can be exchanged if necessary — for example, if your vision needs change or a different lens type would give you better results. This type of lens exchange is uncommon but is a well-established procedure and can be performed safely by an ophthalmologist.
What is the difference between progressive lenses and RLE?
Progressive lenses are glasses that help you see at different distances but must be worn daily and updated over time. RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, addressing the source of the focusing problem and greatly reducing dependence on progressive lenses.
Can RLE get rid of my reading glasses for good?
In many cases, yes. RLE replaces your eye’s natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) that can improve vision at multiple distances. Depending on the lens chosen, many patients greatly reduce their need for reading glasses. Your LASIK MD surgeon will recommend the best IOL for your vision and lifestyle during your free consultation.
I wear progressive lenses. Am I a good candidate for RLE?
Often, yes. If you’re over 50 and your progressive lenses prescription is changing, RLE may be a good option. It replaces the eye’s natural lens to improve vision at multiple distances, instead of relying on eyewear to manage the issue.
Will RLE let me stop wearing bifocals?
For many patients, yes. Trifocal and extended-range IOLs are designed to provide clear vision across the same range as bifocals, and often more, without visible lines or a restricted field of view. Your surgeon will confirm whether RLE is right for you during your assessment.
I only use readers for small print. Is RLE still relevant for me?
Yes. Needing readers is often an early sign of presbyopia, which usually progresses with age. RLE can replace the natural lens before vision changes advance further and greatly reduce your need for readers, depending on the IOL chosen.
RLE facts, and common questions
Starting in your 40s, presbyopia can make near vision blurrier — turning everyday moments like reading a text message into small but frustrating challenges. Learn more about this condition and how our lens procedures can help.
Myths and facts about presbyopia
Fear: Presbyopia can't be treated by a vision correction
Fact: RLE can greatly reduce the need for reading glasses, bifocals, and progressive lenses
Read more
Not only are our procedures designed to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism but we can also help those bothered by symptoms of presbyopia. If reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses are part of your daily routine, our RLE procedure is designed to greatly reduce that dependency.
Fear: The procedure will hurt
Fact: RLE is not painful
Read more
Most of our patients say they feel nothing more than a minor sensation during the procedure, if anything at all. Plus, our surgeons will give you numbing eye drops to ensure that the experience is as painless as possible.
Fear: The procedure is risky
Fact: Unquestionable safety
Read more
RLE is a variation of LASIK, a procedure that our surgeons have collectively performed over 2 million times and over 500,000 in Quebec alone. The artificial lens used in Lens procedures has a stable record of safety, having been used in 43 countries around the world since 2010. Our surgeons are experts in the field of vision correction procedures, each having performed many thousands of procedures to date. This level of experience ensures that all patients undergo a procedure performed by a leading medical expert.
Fear: The recovery period is long
Fact: Recovery? What recovery?
Read more
The recovery period following lens procedures is short, so you’ll be back to your normal day-to-day within just a few days.
Fear: I can go blind
Fact: Don't worry about going blind
Read more
LASIK MD surgeons have collectively performed more than 2 million vision correction procedures and over 500,000 in Quebec alone, and no one has ever gone blind. Our track record of safety speaks for itself.
Fear: I will have some kind of terrible side effect
Fact: The vast majority of complications are rare, minor and treatable
Read more
Like all medical procedures, Lens procedures has the potential for side effects or complications. However, the likelihood of these is rare - less than 1%. The incidence rate has been further reduced through the use of our state-of-the-art technology, and the ability to screen out those patients that are not candidates. When complications occur following a lens procedure, the vast majority are minor and treatable.
Fear: If I've previously had LASIK, I can't have RLE
Fact: You can still be a candidate
Read more
Even if you’ve had a prior vision correction procedure such as LASIK or PRK, you could still be eligible for a Lens procedure if you meet our criteria. There’s only one way to know if you are a candidate - by booking a free, no-obligation consultation with LASIK MD so that we can we properly evaluate your candidacy.
Fear: My prescription needs to be stable
Fact: Stable prescription not required
Read more
Presbyopia (up-close reading vision loss) is a degenerative eye condition, meaning your up-close reading vision will gradually change over time. We’re pleased to report that your prescription doesn’t need to be stable in order to get a lens procedure. So no matter when you decide to get the procedure done, we’re certain that you’ll enjoy the view.
Fear: Traditional methods of treating presbyopia are good enough
Fact: RLE is a permanent, long-term solution, not reading glasses or contact lenses
Read more
Most people's first response to presbyopia is a pair of over-the-counter readers from the drugstore. As the condition progresses, they move to prescription reading glasses, then bifocals, and eventually progressive lenses. Each step manages the symptom, but none stops it. RLE addresses the root cause, giving you lasting clear vision without the ongoing cost and inconvenience of corrective eyewear.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free consultation to see which vision correction option is right for you.
Procedure availability varies by LASIK MD clinic and is subject to factors such as location, medical expertise, and patient eligibility as determined by a physician. Please contact your local clinic to confirm the availability of a specific procedure.