Are you wondering if your case is hopeless? Do age or the power of your vision defect, especially that irritating presbyopia, condemn you to constantly searching for glasses? Nothing could be further from the truth! Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE/CLE) is our superpower that gives you the chance to completely say goodbye to vision defects – even those that excluded you from traditional laser correction. At Swisslaser clinics in Warsaw and Krakow, we don’t guess. The qualification process is our foundation, which is why we approach it with micron-level precision. It’s literally a journey deep into your eyes. We want to select the ideal, custom-tailored lens for you that will give you crystal-clear vision at every distance. Ready to finally free yourself?
What will you learn from the text below?
- For whom is RLE a better option than laser vision correction? RLE saves the situation when, for example, your cornea is too thin or you have dry eye – problems that prevented you from having laser surgery on the cornea.
- How does RLE qualification differ from laser correction qualification? When preparing for RLE, we must measure the entire interior of the eye with much greater precision than for laser surgery, in order to perfectly match the implant power.
- Is age a contraindication for RLE? No! We successfully perform RLE in patients of all ages, but for individuals over 40 with presbyopia, it is most often a perfect solution.
- What are the most important vision defects that RLE corrects? We eliminate presbyopia, severe hyperopia, astigmatism, and also, in selected, difficult cases, high myopia.
- What modern technologies assist in lens selection? We use platforms such as ANTERION®, which combine corneal topography with precise ocular biometry and intraocular lens power calculation.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE/CLE) Qualification: Who, When, and Why?
What is RLE/CLE and for whom is it intended?
RLE, or Refractive Lens Exchange, is our vision “upgrade” technology. Simply put: we replace your old lens with a new, better model.
- Definition and purpose of the procedure: We remove your natural, still clear lens and replace it with an artificial, technologically advanced implant that corrects the defect. In this way, we preempt cataract formation.
- Indications for RLE/CLE: If you have severe hyperopia, irritating presbyopia, or astigmatism, this is the solution for you. It is also an excellent option when your myopia is too high to be safely corrected by laser on the corneal surface.
- RLE/CLE as an alternative to laser correction: Do you have a thin cornea? Or perhaps dry eye syndrome? Excellent! These problems, which often close the door to laser surgery, are not contraindications for RLE! The new lens bypasses these issues.
- Impact of the procedure on the cornea: Unlike laser surgery, we do not interfere with the corneal structure. We only make micro-incisions (1-2 mm) that heal quickly.
- Correction possibilities: Individually selected lenses: During qualification, we decide together. Do you want to see sharply everywhere? We choose multifocal lenses. Do you want to get rid of astigmatism? We will use toric lenses.
Pre-Procedure Diagnostics: Full Range of Examinations
For the RLE/CLE procedure to be ideal, we must know your eye inside out. Qualification is a two-stage, very detailed process.
- Basic qualification procedures: We start with a consultation, and then we measure: the refractive error with a computer (autorefractometry), corneal curvature (keratometry), its thickness (pachymetry), and its map (topography).
- Detailed optometric examinations: We assess how you see without glasses (vis sc) and with the best correction (vis cc). We check which eye is dominant, and how your binocular vision (fusion, 3D) works, so that vision is comfortable and natural.
- Diagnosis of presbyopia and monovision: If reading is bothering you (presbyopia), we need to determine the ideal near addition (add). If we are considering monovision, we perform a special tolerance test.
- Comprehensive eye assessment: We measure pressure (tonometry), assess tear quality (BUT-test), examine the entire geometry of the eye (biometry, anterior chamber depth), and finally cycloplegia (paralyzing accommodation) and perform OCT tomography to ensure the retina is healthy.
Modern Diagnostic Technologies at SwissLaser
We do not rely on old methods! We only use equipment that provides us with micron-level precision.
- ANTERION® Platform: Precision in the anterior segment of the eye: This is our ace in the hole! ANTERION® is a powerhouse. In one examination, we get a corneal map (topography), anterior segment measurements, and most importantly – it performs an ideal IOL power calculation for us. The Barret module, which ANTERION® has, allows us to precisely select toric lenses. This guarantees certainty.
- Retina Scan Duo ™ Device: Detailed assessment of the posterior segment: We use it to look behind the cornea. It is both a high-resolution OCT and a fundus camera – thanks to this, we know that your retina is healthy and ready for a new, sharp image.
Dr. Victor Derhartunian on diagnostics: “In RLE, there is no room for error. Success is determined by micron-level measurement precision. When a platform like ANTERION® measures the geometry of the eye for us, it gives us confidence that the lens we implant will be perfectly matched. This is not an ‘approximate’ calculation – this is modern biometry. Without such precise data, we simply do not operate.”
Required Supplementary Examinations (Laboratory)
Remember, RLE is a real surgical procedure. We must ensure that your body is in good condition.
- Laboratory tests: In addition to eye examinations, we ask you for simple blood tests – blood group, complete blood count, and coagulation system testing. This is a standard safety procedure.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How long do all RLE qualification examinations take?
The entire process is very detailed, which is why we usually dedicate 2 to 3 hours to it. This time is crucial for measuring everything and perfectly calculating the lens power.
Do I need to stop taking medications before qualification?
Most medications can be taken normally. It is most important to discontinue contact lenses for a specified period before the examination – 7 days for soft lenses and 4 weeks for rigid gas permeable lenses. You will receive all instructions when you schedule your appointment.
Can RLE correct both near and far vision defects?
Absolutely. If we choose multifocal lenses (trifocal), we correct vision for distance, near, and intermediate distances, giving you full independence from glasses.
Why is the BUT-test (tear film quality) examination so important?
Tear film examination is crucial because dry eye can hinder healing and worsen vision initially. If we find a problem, we will first treat the tears, and then proceed with surgery.
Is RLE reimbursed by the NFZ (National Health Fund)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE/CLE), which corrects vision defects (including reading vision), is a commercial procedure. It is not covered by reimbursement within the NFZ.
