What is RLE?
A permanent replacement lens
Ideal for patients with age-related conditions, those with severe myopia, hyperyopia or astigmatism, or those developing cataracts, RLE is where our surgeons remove the affected lens and replace it with a permanent intraocular lens. We will operate on one eye at a time, with a two week break between procedures.
Personalised Vision Correction Solutions
RLE may be the solution you’ve been searching for, but to determine that we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your eyes and recommend the procedure with the best possible chance of a high quality outcome.
Experienced Surgeons and Advanced Technology
Finely crafted to suit your visual needs, our intraocular lenses are engineered for excellent clarity, and durability. Our experienced surgical teams bring the latest techniques and technology to ensure positive results.
Comprehensive Support and Follow-Up Care
From your initial consultation to long-term follow-up, we’re with you every step of the way, providing comprehensive care to make sure your eye care journey is smooth and successful.
Motivations for RLE
What motivates RLE
- Live life without glasses
- Throw away your contact lenses
- The Right Lenses For You
- Avoid Cataracts
Live life without glasses
Imagine the freedom of living without the constant need for glasses. RLE gives you the opportunity to enjoy a natural, unobstructed view every day. That’s freedom.
- No more fogged-up glasses in cold weather.
- Enjoy social events without adjusting your glasses.
- Feel free and unrestricted in daily activities.
- Appreciate clear vision in all settings without glasses.
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Throw away your contact lenses
Tired of dealing with contact lenses? RLE can help eliminate your dependence on lenses, offering a more convenient, comfortable lifestyle.
- No more lens irritation or discomfort during the day.
- Skip the daily routine of contact lens maintenance.
- Enjoy travelling without worrying about contact lens supplies.
- Free yourself from potential infections caused by contact lenses
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The Right Lenses For You
RLE Means you can retire your glasses and contact lenses, even if your prescription is multifocal.
- Replacement lenses are available in single, extended depth or multifocal configuration.
- The prescription for each eye can be different, precisely correcting vision.
- No more changing glasses, multifocals or uncomfortable contacts.
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Avoid Cataracts and Deteriorating Eyesight
As we age, conditions like hyperopia (longsightedness) and cataracts, can worsen. RLE is the permanent solution to such conditions.
- Eliminate the chance of developing cataracts.
- Colours become brighter, vision becomes sharper.
- Reduce or completely eliminate reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
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Learn more about RLE
Perfect new lenses.
Replacing your defective lenses with carefully designed and engineered new intraocular lenses usually means an instant improvement, although full recovery may take four to six weeks.
Procedure Time
The refractive lens exchange procedure typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Your LASERSIGHT surgeon removes the natural lens through a small incision, and replaces it with the new refractive lens through the same incision.
Typical Results
For most people the improvement is instant and in some cases dramatic. However over ensuing weeks you may experience some blurriness and vision changes. The final result may take up to six weeks, however your personalised treatment plan will be created to ensure the best possible outcome.
Recovery Time
Your eyes will recover quickly but it will take some time for the changes to your vision to become permanent. In the weeks after the procedure you may get a haloing effect, some blurriness and eye dryness, but within a few weeks these will settle down and your vision will improve to its optimum.
RLE Surgical Procedure
On the Day of Your RLE Treatment
- 1: Before Your Treatment
- 2: Arrival
- 3: Treatment
- 4: After Your Treatment
Before Your Treatment
Prior to your RLE treatment, our team will provide clear instructions to help you prepare. This includes when to stop wearing contacts and any guidelines for your comfort on the day of your procedure.
- Follow pre-surgery instructions from the LASERSIGHT team.
- Stop wearing contact lenses as advised.
- Arrange transportation for the day of treatment.
- Get plenty of rest the night before.
Arrival
You will be admitted to a day surgery facility for a day procedure. Your LASERSIGHT team will provide all the information you need for this day.
- Arrive early for a smooth admission process.
- Together we’ll review your procedure and answer any last minute questions.
Treatment
The RLE procedure itself is quick and precise. You will be in the procedure room for 10 to 15 minutes per eye, allowing for removal of the old lens and replacement with an individually crafted new one. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities throughout the procedure.
- IV sedation will be given before we start, this is a twilight anaesthetic. Eye drops may also be given to provide a little numbness.
- Your surgeon will guide you through each step.
- Blurry vision or blackouts are common during the procedure, and nothing to worry about.
After Your Treatment
Following the procedure, before you go home we’ll provide comprehensive post-treatment instructions, eye drops, and you may be protective glasses to be used.
- Receive eye drops and post-care instructions.
- Wear protective eyeglasses for initial recovery.
- Arrange a follow-up appointment for the next day.
What freedom looks like now
Freedom from Glasses
Enjoy life without the constant need for glasses. Whether reading, working, or socialising, laser eye surgery offers a liberating experience that simplifies daily activities and increases your confidence.
Wake Up Seeing
Imagine opening your eyes in the morning and immediately seeing clearly. No need to fumble for glasses—start your day with natural vision and newfound convenience.
Clarity in Every Step
Navigate your home or outdoor spaces without glasses or contacts. Laser eye surgery gives you reliable vision, eliminating worries about stairs, steps, or uneven ground.
Uninhibited Lifestyle
Rediscover the joy of freedom from glasses and contacts. Laser surgery enables you to enjoy hobbies, travel, and daily routines without being restricted by glasses or contact lenses.
Superb Vision Quality
Experience sharper, more vibrant vision that feels almost superhuman. Laser eye surgery enhances your view of the world around you.
Relief from Eye Strain
Say goodbye to tired eyes and the discomfort of wearing glasses all day. Laser surgery provides natural, effortless vision throughout your daily activities.
Enhanced Outdoor Adventures
Swim, hike, garden, and explore without worrying about losing or damaging your glasses. Refractive surgery gives you the confidence to live actively.
Simpler Morning Routine
Start your mornings with clear vision. No glasses to clean, no contacts to insert—just get up and go.
LASERSIGHT by the Numbers
Proven Experience, Innovative Technology, and Personalised Care Delivering Exceptional Vision Correction Outcomes Across Australia.
+
Years of Experience
Over three decades of leadership in laser vision correction.
+
Lives Transformed
Vision corrected for thousands of satisfied patients nationwide.
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Procedure Options
Cutting-edge treatments tailored to diverse vision needs.
states
Trusted Locations
Convenient locations across Australia offering expert care.
Brisbane
Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast LASERSIGHT
Bondi Junction
Mosman
Sydney CBD
Miranda
Kogarah
Wollongong
Melbourne
Our LASERSIGHT Locations
Trusted Across Australia
With clinics in key locations, we provide personalised laser eye surgery across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
Find Your Clinic
Meet your Surgeon
Expert Surgeons, Personalised Vision Solutions
Discover the skilled surgeons dedicated to delivering exceptional care and vision correction tailored to your needs and goals.
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Dr Colby Hart
BSc MBBS FRANZCO
VIC
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Dr Marc Wei
MBBS (QLD), FRANZCO
QLD
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Dr Brett Drury
MBBS (HONS), B.APP.SCI.(OPTOM)(HONS), FRANZCO
QLD
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Dr Tanya Trinh
MBBS (UQ), FRANZCO
NSW
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Dr Peter Beckingsale
MBBS, FRANZCO
QLD
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Dr Hamish McKee
MB CHB, FRANZCO
QLD
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Dr Tim Steele
MBBS(hons), G.dip CRS, FRANZCO
VIC
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Dr Laurence Sullivan
MBBS, FRANZCO
VIC
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Discover the vision conditions treated with this service.
Myopia
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Astigmatism
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Presbyopia
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Cataracts
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Payment Options
You’re currently paying with your time, money, and freedom to maintain your glasses and/or contacts. Is it really worth it?
Make the switch with LASERSIGHT
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions about refractive lens exchange eligibility, recovery timelines, potential discomfort, returning to work, and how long your vision correction results will last.
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Laser eye surgery involves permanent changes to the cornea, the clear dome-shaped surface of the eye, and is particularly suitable for myopia, hyperopia 1, and astigmatism. While laser eye surgery is designed to last a lifetime, age-related vision changes may lead to the need for further enhancement to accommodate age-related changes.
Lens implant surgery, usually reserved for older patients, is permanent following lens replacement (RLE) procedures, however, implantable contact lenses (ICLs) may be removed and replaced with a new ICL if required.
References
- a condition in which visual images come to a focus behind the retina of the eye and vision is better for distant than for near objects[↩]
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You will be required to take time off work as per any other medical appointment to attend your laser eye or lens implant surgery. Your procedure will be a day surgery procedure, so you should be able to return to work on the following day. You will also be advised to attend post-operative appointments one day, one week, one month and six months after your surgery.
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Most people are able to resume daily activities such as returning to work, driving, and playing sports within one to two days following their laser eye surgery or lens implant procedures. Swimming and water activities, however, are recommended to be delayed for at least one to two weeks. People undergoing lens implant surgery (ICL or RLE) should also avoid strenuous activities or exercise for at least one week following their procedure.
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