Refractive lens exchange
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
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Lens exchange to correct presbyopia
RLE (refractive lens exchange) or CLE (clear lens extraction), which is a refractive lens exchange, involves removing the patient’s natural lens and replacing it with an advanced technology artificial lens that corrects vision defects. This procedure is recommended for patients with severe farsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism, and in some cases, also nearsightedness.CLE (clear lens extraction), as the name suggests, is a procedure to replace a non-cataractous lens with an artificial one.
Refractive Lens Exchange – Procedure Information
If a person with presbyopia, nearsightedness, or farsightedness undergoes refractive lens exchange surgery, the risk of cataracts will be eliminated. This is because the natural lens is replaced by an artificial one that is not susceptible to clouding.
Refractive lens exchange can also be performed on patients who have previously undergone laser vision correction.
The chances of success for the lens exchange procedure using this method (i.e., aspirating the natural lens with a modern and highly precise phacoemulsifier) are very high, and the procedure itself is reliable. Of course, general surgical risks are possible, and all patients are informed about them during a personal consultation with the doctor.
lenses
Types of lenses used in the procedure
Multifocal lenses (trifocal, multifocal, EDOF)
Provide very good visual acuity for distance, near (35-40 cm), and intermediate distances (60-90 cm)
Toric lenses monofocal
Eliminate astigmatism, provide sharp vision for distance or near
Toric multifocal lenses
Eliminate astigmatism, provide sharp vision for distance, near, and intermediate distances, thus offering complete independence from corrective glasses.
Post-procedure instructions
Instructions for patients after refractive lens exchange:
- Protect the operated eye from contaminants and UV rays
- Do not touch or rub the operated eye
- Avoid strenuous activity and sports for approximately 2 weeks
Procedure Course
Preparation
Refractive lens exchange is an approximately 20-minute outpatient procedure. The patient’s eye is anesthetized by applying special eye drops.
Incision
In the first phase of the procedure, a small incision is made on the edge of the cornea. This allows for the dissolution and aspiration of the natural lens.
Insertion of the artificial lens
In the next phase of the procedure, a new lens is implanted, which is optimally adapted to the patient’s eye and the desired final outcome. Refractive lens exchange also helps resolve astigmatism issues.
Postoperative phase
After the procedure, the patient’s eye is protected with a special patch. This safeguards it against external factors such as dirt and dust.
Schedule a non-binding appointment and consultation to learn how we can improve your vision.
European standard of treatment
The establishment of SwissLaser marks Dr. Victor Derhartunian’s return to his Polish roots – bringing European knowledge, experience, quality, and renowned Swiss precision to our country, so that every patient in need of vision correction receives the best in terms of technology, expertise, and care.
Our priority is the continuous deepening of knowledge in the field of refractive surgery, lens and laser operations, so that Polish patients can receive treatment at the highest level.
Dr. Victor Derhartunian received the Patients’ Choice Award from 2012-2023.
We are a Schwind
Reference Center
SwissLaser is the laser reference center for Schwind. We are experts in laser vision correction with international experience. We use modern, certified technologies that allow you to successfully free yourself from glasses!
Our SwissLaser clinic collaborates intensively with Schwind on scientific research. Dr.
Victor Derhartunian trains physicians worldwide in laser vision correction
using highly advanced SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions devices.
How much does refractive lens exchange cost?
RLE with a premium implant: PLN 11,000 per eye – spherical, toric or Customized (Johnson&Johnson/Teleon lenses). One price regardless of implant type – with no surcharge for astigmatism correction.
- 2 check-ups during the first month included in the package
- instalment payment available (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: PLN 400
- procedures performed in Warsaw and Krakow
The lens exchange procedure – step by step
- Qualification: optical biometry and selection of a lens matched to your lifestyle (trifocal, EDOF, toric).
- Day of the procedure (approx. 20 minutes): anaesthetic eye drops; your natural lens is removed by phacoemulsification through a micro-incision.
- Implantation: the foldable premium lens unfolds inside the eye; the incision heals without stitches.
- After the procedure: you return home the same day; 2 check-ups included in the package.
Recovery day by day
- First days: vision improves quickly; protect the eye from rubbing.
- 2 weeks: no intense exertion or sport.
- 4–6 weeks: complete healing of the eye – the brain’s neuroadaptation to the new lens optics continues in parallel and takes longer.
- Week 2–12 – getting used to it:The brain has to get used to the new way of seeing – this takes time and is completely normal. Vision improves gradually, day by day.
- Month 3–6 – full adaptation:Neuroadaptation is complete. If it turns out to be necessary, this is when we fine-tune.
Think of blood pressure therapy: you start with one tablet, measure again – and adjust the dose until the reading is right. It is exactly the same with correcting presbyopia: we correct, the brain gets used to the new way of seeing, and if needed we fine-tune. An enhancement is not a setback, but part of a precise treatment.
dr med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS
Safety and possible side effects – honestly
With multifocal lenses, some patients see light effects (halos) around light sources at night – these usually diminish through neuroadaptation; we discuss this openly before the lens is chosen. Serious complications are rare. After some years, clouding of the lens capsule may occur (secondary cataract), which is removed with a YAG laser procedure lasting a few minutes (PLN 600). A cataract itself can never develop again after RLE.
Expert commentary
“Lens selection is 80% of the success of RLE. That is why we do not sell the “most expensive” one – we match the optics to the patient’s life: a night driver will receive a different lens from me than someone who reads all day. I operate to the same standards I apply in Vienna and Zurich.”
Dr Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, SwissLaser and EyeLaser clinics
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does refractive lens exchange (RLE) involve?
RLE (refractive lens exchange) involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a technologically advanced artificial lens that corrects the refractive error. It is a procedure of around 20 minutes performed on an outpatient basis, with the eye numbed using drops alone. The natural lens is dissolved and aspirated through a small incision at the edge of the cornea, after which a lens individually selected for the patient’s eye is implanted.
Who is suitable for refractive lens exchange?
The procedure is recommended above all for patients with severe long-sightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism, and in some cases also short-sightedness. RLE can also be performed on people who have previously undergone laser vision correction. Final suitability is determined by a detailed suitability assessment (costing PLN 400) and a discussion with the doctor.
Which Premium lenses are used in the RLE procedure?
At SwissLaser we use multifocal lenses (trifocal, multifocal and EDOF), which provide good visual sharpness at distance, near (35-40 cm) and intermediate range (60-90 cm). Monofocal toric and multifocal toric lenses are also available, which additionally eliminate astigmatism. We use lenses from the renowned manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and Teleon, and the model is selected individually to suit the patient’s needs.
How much does refractive lens exchange cost at SwissLaser?
The price of the procedure with a Premium implant (spherical, toric or Customized) is PLN 11,000 per eye. We perform the procedures at our clinics in Warsaw and Krakow. NFZ (Poland’s national health fund) does not reimburse this procedure, but we offer the option of spreading the payment into instalments through Santander Consumer Bank.
What is recovery like after lens exchange?
Immediately after the procedure, the eye is protected with a special shield that guards it against dirt and dust. For around 2 weeks you should avoid physical exertion and refrain from sport, and the operated eye must not be touched or rubbed. It is also important to protect the eye from contamination and UV radiation.
Can a cataract develop after refractive lens exchange?
No – an artificial lens cannot cloud over, so a cataract will never develop after this procedure. The chances of success are very high, and the method itself, using a precise phacoemulsifier, is highly reliable. As with any surgical intervention, general risks are possible, and every patient is informed about them in detail during a personal discussion with the doctor.
