Clear vision in later life without reading or varifocal glasses
Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
In a refractive lens exchange, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This treatment is an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery to correct presbyopia or severe refractive errors. The procedure enables lifelong independence from reading glasses or varifocals.
Different types of lenses are available for this procedure. Our premium lenses are multifocal lenses that provide clear vision both near and far – for a whole new sense of freedom, for life.
Timeline of your refractive lens exchange
We guide you step by step through the timeline of your lens treatment so you know exactly what to expect. From the initial pre-examination to the actual procedure and the follow-up – here you will find all the important information to be well prepared and feel confident.
Eye check and main examination
After a free and non-binding eye check, the main examination follows. It is important that you do not wear contact lenses for four days beforehand and that you do not actively participate in road traffic after the appointment, as eye drops will impair your vision for a few hours. During the main examination, not only your visual acuity but also the cornea and retina are checked to determine the best treatment method for you.
Procedure and treatment process
At the third appointment, your natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens that corrects both distance refractive errors and potential presbyopia. For the journey home, you will receive transparent eye shields and should be accompanied by another person. Plan around 1.5 hours for the entire appointment, including preparation and the way home.
Possible symptoms
Immediately after the treatment, you may be sensitive to light and experience red eyes as well as a foreign-body sensation. Other symptoms include hazy vision, watery, dry, burning or swollen eyes. It is recommended to wear sunglasses during the first few hours as protection against glare and foreign bodies. Near vision usually recovers first – often you may already be able to read without visual aids on the evening of the treatment day. Distance vision takes a few days longer and may initially show some shadowing.
First follow-up
The first follow-up takes place the next day. This is the first time your vision without visual aids is checked after the lens treatment. Usually, the confirmation for the road traffic authority can also be issued at this point. In principle, you can then return to your normal daily activities.
Second follow-up
Your second follow-up takes place after one week. By this time, you have already adapted well to the lens, although judging different distances may still be somewhat limited. This will stabilise over the coming weeks. Please continue to follow the hygiene measures and use the eye drops according to your prescribed schedule.
Back to everyday life
Swimming, sports and sauna are allowed again, as well as wearing make-up around the eyes. If you have any questions about whether and when you can resume certain daily activities, you can contact us at any time.
Final follow-up
After about two months, a final follow-up takes place. At this appointment, your visual performance as well as the healing process of the eye are checked once more.
The advantages of a lens exchange
For presbyopia
A refractive lens exchange provides a permanent correction of presbyopia. This means you will no longer depend on reading or varifocal glasses, even in later life.
Premium lenses
Our multifocal intraocular lenses provide sharp vision at all distances – whether near, intermediate or far – and thus replace your varifocal glasses.
Lifelong clear vision
Visual acuity steadily decreases with age. After a refractive lens exchange, however, you will no longer depend on visual aids for the rest of your life.
For severe refractive errors
Refractive lens exchange is suitable for high hyperopia, high myopia or even a combination of several severe refractive errors.
Neither visible nor noticeable
The artificial lens is not visible in the eye and, once fully healed, not noticeable either – for a whole new sense of freedom and maximum quality of life.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find the most important questions and answers about laser eye and lens treatments at EuroEyes. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us.
Laser eye surgery or lens exchange?
Whether laser treatment or refractive lens exchange is better suited to correct your refractive error depends on various factors. However, if you are over 45 and presbyopia is to be corrected, refractive lens exchange is usually the better option, as it prevents the progression of presbyopia.
At what age is a lens exchange suitable?
A refractive lens exchange is most commonly used to correct presbyopia, which typically begins around the age of 45. In selected cases, however, the treatment may also be an option to correct severe, non-age-related refractive errors and is in principle possible once you are of legal age.
How long does an artificial intraocular lens last?
The artificial lens implanted during refractive lens exchange remains in the eye for a lifetime. As it replaces the natural lens, refractive errors are corrected in the long term, providing clear vision even into advanced age.
What risks are associated with a lens exchange?
A refractive lens exchange is a proven and safe method for treating presbyopia. If visual acuity after the treatment differs from the desired result, it can, if necessary, be corrected with a laser procedure. Eye conditions such as an infection may occur in rare cases after the treatment and can be treated.
Was kostet ein refraktiver Linsenaustausch?
Ein refraktiver Linsenaustausch bei EuroEyes kostet CHF 4’480.– pro Auge und kann auf einmal oder bequem in Wunschraten bezahlt werden. Im Fixpreis sind alle Vor- und Hauptuntersuchungen sowie Nachkontrollen enthalten. Kosten entstehen nur, wenn Sie sich für eine Behandlung bei uns entscheiden.
What can I expect after the treatment?
During the first 24 hours after the procedure, the eye recovers noticeably and visual acuity gradually improves. However, it may take a few weeks until optimal and stable vision is achieved. As a rule, you will be able to return to your usual activities the day after the procedure, but these should be limited to a reasonable extent. Strenuous activities should be avoided in any case. You should allow your eye to rest.