Refractive Lens
Exchange(RLE)

Modern Vision Correction & Eye Care

Woman wearing glasses holding a cloud cut-out

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?

As we age, our eyes’ natural lenses become stiff, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. This condition is known as presbyopia, and it’s why we often need reading glasses as we grow older. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a procedure we use to replace your aging natural lens with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), to enhance your eyesight.

Refractive lens exchange operation

RLE Eye Surgery vs. Other Procedures

Refractive lens exchange is a great solution for patients who want clearer eyesight but aren’t candidates for LASIK or other corrective vision surgeries. Benefits of RLE include improved or even enhanced eyesight, reduced dependency on eyewear and protection from cataracts developing in the future. RLE also leaves your eye’s cornea intact, which helps you avoid complications such as dry eye symptoms.

Am I a Candidate for RLE Surgery?

Most likely, yes! RLE surgery is an excellent choice for many clients but is especially effective for older clients who have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) and want to permanently improve their vision.

Man wearing glasses and headphones
Light Adjustable Lenses

Light Adjustable Lenses and Other Premium IOL Options

Light adjustable lenses (LALs) are a recently developed IOL technology. These lenses are able to be customized after their surgery, allowing patients to change aspects of their vision to suit their needs. With LALs, we can adjust the lens in your eye, without discomfort, for a completely tailored vision solution.

Is RLE Surgery Safe?

Yes, especially when you’re in the hands of an expert like Dr. Bradley Barnett! The procedure for RLE is extremely similar to cataract surgery, one of the safest and most common surgeries performed today. While complications are rare, Dr. Barnett can go over any concerns in detail during a consultation.

What Happens During the Procedure?

During RLE, Dr. Barnett will use a laser to remove your eye’s aging natural lens and replace it with a standard or premium IOL. Dr. Barnett will give you numbing drops or an anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain, though you might feel some slight pressure. The surgery itself is a quick, outpatient procedure, and Dr. Barnett can tell you exactly what to expect during a consultation.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Clients are typically able to return to their everyday activities a day or two after having RLE surgery. You may feel a scratchy sensation in your eyes for a few days to even a few weeks after the surgery, along with temporary blurred vision, halos around lights or glare, but these side effects are completely normal and will fade as your eyes continue to heal.

What Can You Expect from the Results?

Some clients will notice immediate vision improvement, but others may need a few days to weeks for their eyes to recover and vision clarity to return. Once your eyes have fully healed, you can enjoy clearer vison — or even enhanced eyesight with our premium IOL offerings! Dr. Barnett is happy to discuss the details of what you can expect during your consultation.
Dr. Barnett

Dr. Barnett Answers Common Questions About RLE Surgery

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Why Choose Us for RLE Surgery?

We understand how important clear vision is, which is why we believe in going the extra mile for every one of our clients to get them the eyesight they deserve. California LASIK & Eye has a proven track record of success performing RLE and other vision correction surgeries, and our team has a well-earned reputation for compassionate care.

Dr. Barnett and His Team

Dr. Barnett and our incredible support team are here to make sure every aspect of your care is as comfortable as it is effective. You can count on us to be your partners on your journey to clear vision.

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Woman getting a check-up for Refractive Lens Exchange

Our State-of-the-Art Technology

We use cutting-edge equipment in all aspects of our practice in order to provide clients with the best results and fast recovery periods.

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State of the art technology for Refractive Lens Exchange

Our Convenient and Comfortable Location

Our modern Sacramento office is conveniently located and designed with the client in mind for all of your eye care, vision correction and aesthetic needs.

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Refractive Lens Exchange location

Learn More About The Other Services We Offer!

Implantable Contact Lenses icon

Implantable Contact Lenses(ICL)

LASIK Surgery icon

LASIK Surgery

Cataract surgery icon

Cataract Surgery

Testimonials

Kareem ElfikyKareem Elfiky
18:27 13 Jan 23
Dr.Barnett is an amazing doctor! I was considering Lasik for a while and went to 4 different consultations in the Sacramento area. My first day meeting Dr.Barnett I knew that he would be my doctor. He is extremely friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and has huge passion for what he does. He deeply cares about his patients success and will work with them hand in hand every step of the way. I had a ton of questions for him and his staff and they answered all of my many questions with great detail, which built my confidence in the procedure even more.I would rate the entire experience an 11/10. I had my Lasik Surgery less than 24 hours ago and I am already seeing much better than 20/20 . The surgery itself was painless and doctor Barnett explained everything as he was doing it. Completely painless and completely worth it!Thank you Dr.Barnett and your staff as well!!
Steve PhillipsSteve Phillips
00:56 22 Nov 22
I recently had cataract surgery with Dr. Barnett, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I opted for the laser procedure and monofocal toric lenses to correct astigmatism, first on the left eye and a month later on the right. Now, several weeks past the right eye surgery, I am able to read the 20/15 line with each eye. 20/20 is considered excellent. 20/15 is even better. My intermediate vision is also quite good. I only need glasses for close work, which is common for someone of my age.Dr. Barnett also has me on a program to correct my dry eye problem (meibomian gland dysfunction), and it seems to be working well. My vision has not been this clear and crisp for years.Dr. Barnett is very personable, and it is clear that he is passionate about his work and cares about his patients.
Alana de HinojosaAlana de Hinojosa
18:39 11 Oct 22
Dr. Barnett has been an incredibly thorough and generous doctor whose excellent care brought my eyesight to 20/20 after my lasik procedure with him. I immediately knew that I wanted Dr. Barnett to be my doctor after my consultation. What stood out to me during that appointment is how he emphasized that once he became my doctor he would consider me his patient from now into the future. His practice, in other words, does not involve one stop procedures but an ongoing relationship between a doctor and his patients. In the month since receiving lasik, I can say that this has been absolutely my experience and I expect it to continue in the months and years ahead. I absolutely recommend him to those considering lasik. Not simply for the important reasons I’ve just outlined, but also because the staff is lovely and Kristen Barnett, Dr. Barnett’s wife, is a cosmetic specialist whose work has left my skin feeling refreshed and young! Kristen, Dr. Barnett, and their staff are a great team who offer excellent services.
Naz KhanNaz Khan
07:03 07 Oct 22
This man took incredible care of my husband. After our daughter scratched his eye in a fit about not reading more books, my husband didn't know how to get relief from the pain, with Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Dr. Barnett showed compassion, competence, and committed service to help my husband recover. When one solution didn't work out, he accepted my husband on short notice and went above and beyond to give another solution that is now providing relief. He does not worry about inconvenience. He is a man of definite purpose and is doing what he loves as he knows (and is right in that) it is of value to society. NUMBER #1!!!
John SandersJohn Sanders
18:13 23 Feb 22
Dr. Barnett performed my cataract surgery and lens replacement and I am very pleased with the results! Like most people I was very nervous and apprehensive about having surgery on my eyes but Dr. Barnett and his staff were very good about explaining everything throughout the process and insuring that I was very comfortable at all times. It was an easy and painless procedure.At Dr. Barnett's recommendation I was fitted with Vivity lenses and I'm very happy with the choice. Before I could not drive, watch TV or read at intermediate distance without glasses, but now I can do all those things without.I have now recommend my friends and family consult with Dr. Barnett before considering cataract or Lasik surgery and would highly recommend him.
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