Page Contents

• What is refractive lens exchange?
• What happens during lens replacement surgery?
• Why choose Moorfields Private?
• How much does lens replacement surgery cost and what is package pricing?
• Who is suitable for corrective lens surgery?
• RLE/ Lens replacement surgery recovery times and aftercare
• How safe is lens replacement surgery?
• How successful is lens replacement surgery?
• More information

What is refractive lens exchange surgery?

Refractive lens exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery, is a common procedure which involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a synthetic implant called an intraocular lens. It is performed to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. The eye lens replacement procedure can also improve vision for those suffering from cataracts.

RLE is suitable for patients aged 50 or over, though younger patients can be considered in some cases, and with a glasses prescription higher than the normal range for laser eye surgery.

Lens clarity and flexibility diminish with age, and many older patients who would like their sight corrected actually have the beginnings of a cataract. Replacing the natural lens is often therefore the best option for sight correction, even for patients with a lower prescription, particularly if they are long-sighted.

Refractive lens surgery and cataract surgery are exactly the same operation. When cataract surgery is performed primarily to correct the need for glasses, it is called RLE or lens replacement surgery.

What happens during lens replacement surgery?

During your initial consultation, your specialist consultant eye surgeon will scan and test your eyes to determine your suitability for lens replacement surgery. They will also discuss the procedure’s benefits and potential risks, as well as agreeing on a personalised plan with you. Eye lens replacement surgery is usually performed on one eye at a time. If you require surgery on both eyes, the operations will typically be carried out one week apart.

On the day of the surgery, anaesthetising eye drops and a mild sedative will be administered to ensure the procedure is painless. Your surgeon will soften your existing lens using an ultrasound. This is then emulsified, removed and replaced with an intraocular lens implant (a clear artificial lens), which is held in place by the back membrane of the lens. The latest multifocal lens implant options are available at Moorfields Private to aid reading vision and provide greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

The procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes and you will be able to go home the same day.

Why choose Moorfields Private?

Moorfields Private has a worldwide reputation for providing the highest quality treatment and care for private patients looking to improve their vision.

All of our eye lens replacement surgeons hold accredited consultant positions at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, working at the very top of their profession.

We pride ourselves on offering a service with complete continuity. At each visit, you will see the surgeon of your choice who will supervise every aspect of your care from start to finish.

How much does RLE/lens replacement surgery cost and what is package pricing?

The initial consultation fee is £195. The full cost of your onward treatment will be confirmed once you have agreed your personalised plan with your consultant.

Once you have agreed a personalised plan with your consultant, the full costs of onward treatment will be between approximately £3,600 and £4,600 per eye which includes take-home medication and one post-operative appointment. This price is approximate as the price of lenses varies depending on your individual needs.

There may be circumstances where additional scans/tests are required that are outside the package price. This is rare and your consultant will discuss this with you if any additional tests are required.

For information about our package pricing, please visit Your frequently asked questions regarding a package price.

For RLE/lens replacement surgery, we offer interest free payment plans for over up to ten months, subject to a credit check and terms and conditions. No deposit is required. For more information, please speak to your consultant’s practice manager prior to your consultation.

Who is suitable for corrective lens surgery?

If you are unable to have laser eye surgery, then eye lens replacement surgery can be a good option. The procedure is suitable for patients aged 50 or over, though younger patients can be considered in some cases, as well as those with cataracts, astigmatism, very high prescriptions and glaucoma (as long as the condition is stable). Your surgeon will scan and test your eyes during your initial consultation to assess your suitability.

RLE/ Lens replacement surgery recovery times and aftercare

Recovery times for this type of surgery vary but typically take between three to four days. It is normal for you to experience blurred vision and glare during this time, along with sensitivity and discomfort in your eye, but this will only last a few days. You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to help with this.

You should be able to return to work a few days after the lens replacement operation and will be able to drive after your consultant has confirmed your vision meets the standard in your follow-up appointment. Following recovery, you will benefit from improved focus, reduced glare and clearer distinction between colours.

How safe is lens replacement surgery?

Lens replacement surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures in the world, with more than 3 million surgeries being carried out each year in Europe alone.

As is the case with all operations, there are risks involved. Complications are rare and most can be successfully treated with medication or a follow-up procedure. Your specialist consultant eye surgeon will discuss the risks with you during your initial consultation. However, your chances of having problems are significantly reduced when you put yourself in expert hands and an approved clinical environment.

How successful is lens replacement surgery?

There is a high success rate with lens replacement surgery, with 95% of patients achieving vision of driving standard or better following the procedure.

More information

For more information, please see our blogs below:

• What to expect when you have treatment for cataracts
• When should I have cataract surgery?
• Dos and dont’s after cataract surgery
• Getting back to your routine after cataract surgery
• Why Moorfields Private is the right choice for you.