If you’ve had RLE, short for refractive lens exchange, you might be wondering if cataracts are still something to worry about. After all, cataracts affect the eye’s natural lens, and RLE replaces that lens. So, is cataract surgery still a possibility in your future?
Let’s break it down.
What Happens During RLE?
During RLE, your eye doctor removes your eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial one, called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). The goal is to help you see more clearly, particularly if glasses or contacts are no longer giving you the clarity you want.
RLE is often used for people who are beginning to develop lens-related vision issues, such as presbyopia or cloudy vision. Sometimes, the early stages of cataracts are already present when RLE is performed. In other cases, RLE is used as a proactive approach before any significant clouding begins.
Once the natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, you cannot develop a cataract in that eye again, because cataracts only form in natural lenses.
Can Cataracts Return After RLE?
No. Cataracts cannot develop once the natural lens is removed. The artificial lens placed during RLE is not subject to the same changes as a natural lens. So, in that sense, cataracts are permanently resolved in that eye.
That said, some patients may still experience changes in their vision after RLE that feel similar to cataracts. These are not cataracts, but they may lead to some confusion.
What Could Be Mistaken for Cataracts After RLE?
One common issue that may appear months or even years after RLE is called Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). It’s sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract,” although it’s not a cataract at all.
During RLE, the artificial lens is placed inside a clear membrane called the lens capsule. Over time, that capsule can become cloudy. If this happens, it may cause blurry vision, glare from lights, or a feeling that your vision is once again declining.
PCO is not harmful, and it’s very easy to treat.
How Is PCO Treated?
If you experience cloudy vision after RLE and your doctor finds signs of PCO, they may recommend a quick laser treatment. It’s called YAG laser capsulotomy. The laser creates a small opening in the capsule, allowing light to pass through again.
This is a painless outpatient procedure. It only takes a few minutes, and most people experience improvement in their vision almost immediately.
How Common Is PCO?
PCO is fairly common. It may occur in a small percentage of people within the first few years after RLE or cataract surgery. Not everyone develops it, and for those who do, it’s not an urgent problem. It can be treated whenever it starts affecting your vision.
Should You Worry About Cataracts If You’ve Had RLE?
No. Once your natural lens is replaced, that eye will not develop cataracts. RLE and cataract surgery follow a very similar process, and the result is the same: the removal of the natural lens.
However, it’s still a good idea to schedule regular eye exams. Your doctor will want to monitor the health of the surrounding structures of the eye, especially as you age.
What if You Only Had RLE in One Eye?
If RLE was performed in one eye but not the other, only the untreated eye is at risk for developing cataracts. It’s possible to have RLE or cataract surgery in the other eye later, depending on your vision needs and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Other Benefits of RLE
Besides preventing cataracts, RLE may also reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Depending on the type of IOL chosen, you may experience improved distance, intermediate, or near vision, or a blend of all three.
RLE can be a helpful option if you’re not a candidate for laser vision correction, or if you want a more permanent vision solution without the need to monitor for future cataracts.
RLE replaces the natural lens, the part of the eye where cataracts form. Because of this, cataracts cannot return after the procedure. While some people may develop PCO after RLE, this is not a cataract and can be resolved quickly with a laser treatment. If you’re experiencing cloudy vision after RLE, your doctor can determine whether PCO is the cause and offer simple options to restore clarity.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about RLE and Cataract Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!