RLE Surgery in Phoenix | Refractive Lens Exchange at Horizon Eye Specialists
Interested in RLE? Schedule your free RLE evaluation today by calling 623-281-2335, or request an appointment online.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in Phoenix: Clear Vision Beyond LASIK
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK (or you’re in your 40s and beyond and are tired of reading glasses or bifocals), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery could be the ideal solution. Also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Clear Lensectomy, RLE helps patients over 40 achieve sharp, long-term vision correction without relying on glasses or contacts.
At Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, we offer RLE/CLE surgery in Phoenix and the surrounding areas using advanced lens implant technology—similar to what’s used in cataract surgery—to replace your eye’s natural lens with a custom intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is especially effective for treating presbyopia and age-related farsightedness, helping you see clearly at all distances.
What Is RLE Surgery?
Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as lens replacement surgery, Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), or Clear Lensectomy, is a vision correction procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. RLE is virtually identical to modern cataract surgery—but performed before cataracts fully develop. It’s often called a “lifestyle lens procedure” because it can greatly enhance your quality of life by reducing your dependence on glasses.
Who Is a Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
You may be a good candidate for RLE/CLE if you:- Are over 40 years of age
- Are tired of reading glasses, bifocals, or contacts
- Have been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK or PRK
- Want a long-term solution to correct both distance and near vision
- Have early-stage cataracts or noticeable presbyopia
Our experienced providers will perform a detailed consultation and exam to determine if RLE is right for you. We customize your lens recommendation based on your lifestyle, visual goals, and eye anatomy.
Benefits of RLE Surgery
- Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia
- Reduces or eliminates dependence on glasses or contacts
- Prevents future cataract surgery
- Quick recovery time—most return to normal activities in 1–2 days
- Long-term results and minimal maintenance
At Horizon Eye Specialists, we offer premium intraocular lens options, including multifocal, extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF), and toric lenses for astigmatism correction.
What to Expect During the RLE Procedure
RLE surgery is an outpatient procedure performed at our Phoenix-area surgical centers. The surgery itself typically takes about 15 minutes per eye. RLEs can also be done on both eyes at the same time, reducing the overall recovery time and making the postoperative period easier.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Numbing drops and local anesthesia
- The natural lens is gently removed
- A custom artificial lens is placed to restore clear vision
- You go home the same day—no stitches or long downtime
Vision improves quickly, and many patients report crisp vision within days.
RLE vs. LASIK: Which Is Right for You?
LASIK reshapes the cornea, while RLE (or CLE) replaces the eye’s natural lens. RLE is often the better option for patients over 40 who:
- Have age-related near vision loss (presbyopia)
- Want to prevent cataracts later in life
- Are seeking a long-term solution with a wider range of correction
Our surgeons will help you decide which procedure best matches your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
Why Choose Horizon Eye Specialists for RLE in Phoenix?
- Board-certified ophthalmologists with decades of experience in vision correction
- State-of-the-art technology and premium lens implants
- Thousands of successful refractive procedures performed in the Phoenix Valley
- Trusted by patients across Scottsdale, the West Valley, Goodyear, Phoenix, and beyond
We specialize in personalized care and clear results. Our team will guide you through every step of the RLE journey with expertise and compassion.
Schedule Your Free RLE Consultation Today
If you’re ready to enjoy clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts, Refractive Lens Exchange—also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Clear Lensectomy—could be the right option for you. Horizon Eye Specialists is proud to offer RLE in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Goodyear, and West Valley.
📞 Call us today, or request an appointment online, and schedule your free RLE evaluation to see if RLE is right for you.