What to Expect Day of Your RLE Procedure

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) procedure, including before, during, and after the procedure itself.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

• • For approximately a week before your procedure, please thoroughly clean you eyelashes each night – this is especially important for patients who wear makeup. Also, we recommend you use artificial tears 4x each day. The goal is to maximize the quality of your tear film to aid in the healing process.

How long does the procedure take?

• • Expect to be at the partner office for approximately 2-3 hours before your designated surgery time. You can also expect the procedure itself to take around 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, you will have a brief post-op period to make sure you are comfortable.

Will I feel any pain during the procedure?

• • You can expect to feel some light pressure in your eye during the procedure, but most patients don’t report feeling any pain!

Can RLE be performed on both eyes at the same time/in the same day?

• • Yes, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) can be performed on both eyes on the same day, depending on your surgeon’s assessment and your health condition. Performing RLE on both eyes simultaneously is common and can be convenient, as it reduces the overall recovery time and quickly improves vision in both eyes. However, some patients and surgeons prefer to operate on one eye at a time to monitor the healing process and adjust if necessary. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your specific needs and preferences.

Can you do just 1 eye for RLE, or do you have to do both?

• • You can choose to have Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery on just one eye or both. The decision usually depends on your specific vision needs and the recommendation of your surgeon. Some people opt for one eye at a time to adjust to the changes in vision gradually.

Are there any limitations on activities afterwards?

• • Yes, after RLE surgery, there are temporary limitations on certain activities to ensure a smooth recovery. You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, swimming, and exposing your eyes to dust or water for a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your situation.

What does recovery from RLE look like?

• • Recovery from RLE involves a few days to weeks of your vision stabilizing and improving. You might experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and fluctuations in your vision initially. Most daily activities can be resumed within a few days, but it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s advice on avoiding certain activities and using prescribed eye drops to aid healing. If you would like to learn more about the recovery process, please click here!

If you have any questions about the procedure or the benefits of RLE, please don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule your free, no obligation, virtual consultation!