RLE vs Cataract Surgery: The Basics

At first glance, RLE and cataract surgery could be mistaken for twins. They both involve replacing the eye’s natural lens with a premium artificial one. However, the reasons for choosing one over the other, and what they aim to correct, is what separates them.

HINT: It has to do with your time of life!

You are probably asking the question, “why would you get cataract surgery vs RLE?”, so lets compare!

Cataract Surgery: At some point in our lives, we are all likely to develop what are called cataracts – where there are clouds that affect our eye’s natural lens. If you were to get cataract surgery, the goal would be to address the clouded lens by replacing the natural lens with an artificial one.

Refractive Lens Exchange: On the hand, Refractive Lens Exchange or RLE, while a similar procedure, is used to address nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more. The goal of RLE is to give you the visual freedom from common vision issues and prevent cataracts, by replacing the natural lens now before you develop cataracts.

Will You Need Cataract Surgery Later if You Have RLE Today?

This touches on a significant benefit of RLE. By replacing the natural lens, which could eventually develop cataracts, with a premium lens, RLE eliminates the possibility of cataracts forming in the future. It’s a bit like upgrading your phone before the old one has a chance to quit on you —you’re ahead of the game.

In essence, if you opt for RLE, you’re unlikely to need cataract surgery down the line because the very condition cataract surgery aims to address—clouding of the natural lens—won’t occur with an artificial premium lens. It’s a forward-thinking approach, not just correcting current vision issues but preventing future ones.

Together lets take the first step towards visual freedom by scheduling your free virtual consultation today!