Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in Phoenix

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 our Phoenix, Scottsdale, Goodyear, and West Valley locations 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.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) at Horizon Eye Specialists is a safe, proven alternative to LASIK for adults over 40 experiencing age-related vision changes. If you're tired of juggling readers, bifocals, progressives, or multifocal contact lenses, RLE may offer a long-term solution to presbyopia, farsightedness, and early cataracts.

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

Patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK due to age or prescription type often find RLE to be a better fit. It’s especially helpful for those with presbyopia, or anyone wanting to correct a wider range of vision. Unlike LASIK, RLE eliminates the potential for future cataracts, reducing the likelihood of another eye surgery down the road.

Our experienced providers at our Scottsdale, Phoenix, Goodyear, and West Valley locations 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. With multiple convenient locations, we make it easy to take the first step toward clearer vision.

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

Most patients describe the experience as quick and comfortable, with only minor discomfort afterward. We’ll provide detailed post-op care instructions and check in on your progress to ensure your vision stabilizes smoothly. You’ll be able to return to most normal activities—including reading, driving, and working—within a day or two.

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

RLE also offers more versatility in vision correction, especially for patients with complex prescriptions or age-related lens changes. LASIK reshapes the cornea, while RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens, correcting refractive error and removing any lens clouding/opacities from early cataracts. Plus, with the right premium lens, glasses-dependence is minimized for many patients.

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.

RLE Surgery in Phoenix | Refractive Lens Exchange at Horizon Eye Specialists