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Home › Our Services › Refractive Lens Exchange

— VISION CORRECTION

Too old for LASIK,
too young for
cataract surgery?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) could be the procedure for you - a long-term vision correction option for adults typically 45 to 65, especially those with presbyopia or early cataracts.

Request an appointment →

Call 423.722.1311

Portrait of a smiling woman with glasses, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

08 REEVES EYE INSTITUTE · JOHNSON CITY · KINGSPORT

TYPICAL AGE

45 to 65

TREATS

Presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism

SIMILAR TO

Cataract surgery

BONUS

No cataracts later

BUILD NOTE

New page (suggested). The live site promotes RLE on the homepage, the age guide and the promotion page, but links to the general LASIK page. Copy is built from those live sections plus the live lens-implant pages. Confirm with the client before launch.

— WHAT IS RLE?

A lens-based approach to clear vision.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure where the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Often used for individuals who are not candidates for LASIK, RLE offers a long-term solution for those seeking freedom from glasses or contacts, especially for people with presbyopia or early cataracts.

The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and can improve vision at various distances, providing clearer sight and reducing reliance on corrective lenses. The goal is two-fold: first, vision correction at near, far and in between - and second, those who have had an RLE will no longer need to worry about cataracts, thanks to the new intraocular lens.

— COULD RLE BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

RLE may be a fit if you...

01 Are frustrated with reading glasses or bifocals
02 Are typically between 45 and 65
03 Are not a LASIK candidate due to age or a thin cornea
04 Have nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
05 Have early cataract changes
06 Want a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix

- LENS OPTIONS

Advanced lenses for your life.

Your new lens is chosen around your lifestyle and precise measurements of your eyes.

Multifocal IOLs

Different zones of power for near, intermediate and distance vision - less reliance on reading glasses.

Learn more ↗

Light Adjustable Lens

The only IOL that can be fine-tuned after surgery with quick, non-invasive light treatments.

Learn more ↗

Toric IOLs

Correct astigmatism for clearer distance vision without glasses.

Learn more ↗

Accommodating IOLs

Designed to mimic the eye's natural focusing movement for functional vision at multiple distances.

Learn more ↗

— YOUR RLE JOURNEY

What to expect.

01

Consultation and measurements

Your eyes are thoroughly measured to determine the proper power of the intraocular lens and to confirm you're a good candidate.

02

Personalized lens plan

Dr. Reeves reviews the pros and cons of each lens type with you to find the one most suitable for your eyes and lifestyle.

03

Procedure day

Like cataract surgery, RLE is performed on an outpatient basis with numbing drops. The natural lens is removed through a small incision and replaced with your new IOL.

04

Recovery and follow-up

Follow your surgeon's instructions and use your prescribed drops. If both eyes are treated, they are usually done a few days to weeks apart.

— RLE FAQS

Refractive Lens
Exchange
questions.

Have another question? Call 423.722.1311 or text 423.295.8078

How is RLE different from cataract surgery?

While both procedures replace the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), cataract surgery is performed to remove a cloudy lens that impairs vision, whereas RLE is an elective refractive procedure performed to correct presbyopia, nearsightedness, or farsightedness before cataracts develop.

How is RLE different from LASIK or EVO ICL?

LASIK reshapes the cornea and EVO ICL places an implantable lens in front of your natural lens. RLE completely replaces the natural lens with an advanced IOL, meaning you will never develop cataracts in the future and can treat age-related reading vision loss (presbyopia).

Will I still need glasses after RLE?

Most patients achieve substantial or complete freedom from glasses for both distance and near vision, especially when choosing premium multifocal or light adjustable lens options.

Is RLE covered by insurance?

Because RLE is an elective vision correction procedure performed before cataracts cause medical visual impairment, it is generally not covered by insurance. We offer flexible payment and financing options to fit your budget.

Portrait of Dr. Donny Reeves, a Black man wearing a bowtie and white coat.

- YOUR SURGEON

Donny Reeves, M.D.

Dr. Donny Reeves has performed more than 5,000 surgeries and offers a broad portfolio of premium lenses - PanOptix® Pro, Odyssey™, Light Adjustable, toric and monofocal lenses.