Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a proven option for people who want lasting visual freedom, especially those over 45-50 who are becoming more dependent on reading or multifocal glasses.
During RLE, the eye’s natural lens is gently replaced with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects distance, intermediate, and near vision. The procedure is almost identical to modern cataract surgery which is one of the world’s most widely performed eye treatments.
RLE is particularly suitable for patients who are not ideal candidates for laser vision correction due to higher prescriptions, thinner corneas, or age-related changes.
Your surgeon will carefully assess your eye health, corneal shape, and visual needs before recommending the most suitable lens option, whether monofocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), or multifocal.
Performed using local anaesthetic, the treatment is quick, comfortable, and offers long-term visual stability. With RLE, patients can enjoy clearer vision that lasts a lifetime.
The best IOL for you will depend on your age, visual goals, work habits, hobbies, and eye anatomy. Your surgeon will perform a detailed assessment, including corneal imaging and optical biometry to determine the most suitable option.
Clear distance vision with glasses required for near tasks.
Monofocal lenses are typically set for clear distance vision. They offer excellent clarity for driving, sports, and general outdoor activities, but reading glasses are usually needed for close work.
A tailored solution for distance and near balance.
One eye is set for distance vision and the other for near or intermediate vision. This approach allows many people to perform daily tasks (such as reading or using a computer) without always needing glasses.
Smooth, continuous vision from far to mid-range.
EDOF lenses use advanced optical technology to extend the eye’s range of focus, providing clear distance and intermediate vision, with glasses required for prolonged near work like reading.
See near, far, and everything in between, with reduced dependence on glasses.
Multifocal and trifocal lenses divide incoming light into several focal points, allowing the eye to focus at distance, intermediate, and near. They can provide a high level of visual freedom for daily tasks such as reading, driving, or using digital devices. However, it’s important to understand that these lenses involve optical compromises. Most patients will notice halos or glare around lights at night, especially in the early months after surgery.
For patients with corneal astigmatism.
Toric lenses are available in monofocal, EDOF, and multifocal designs. They correct astigmatism, reducing distortion and improving visual sharpness at all distances.
An ICL is a biocompatible lens carefully positioned inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. It works together with your eye’s own focusing system to provide high-quality, natural vision, particularly for those with moderate to high myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism, or thinner corneas.
Unlike laser vision correction, ICL treatment does not change the shape of the cornea, and the lens can be removed or replaced if needed.
Before recommending an ICL, your surgeon will perform a thorough eye assessment, including corneal mapping, anterior chamber imaging, and internal eye measurements to determine if your eyes are suitable and to choose the ideal lens size and power.
While the procedure is generally well-tolerated under local anaesthetic eye drops, it still involves a delicate surgical process performed in a sterile theatre environment.
Vision typically improves progressively as the eye heals, and follow-up visits are essential to monitor pressure, lens position, and long-term eye health.
RLE and ICL procedures are performed by our highly skilled eye specialists, all of whom have extensive training and valuable experience in both lens surgery and their respective sub-specialist areas of ophthalmology.
Among New Zealand’s foremost eye surgeons, our doctors work alongside an experienced clinical support team at our cutting-edge facility in central Christchurch.
MB ChB, MPH, GDipM (Refract Surg), FRANZCO
MBChB, BMedSci, FRANZCO
MBChB, FRANZCO
MB ChB, MMedSci (Distinction), FRANZCO
Address:
128 Kilmore Street, Christchurch 8013
