REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE HOUSTON
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Reduce or Eliminate the Need for Readers and Bifocals
The lens of the human eye is a natural wonder, allowing us to autofocus on objects both close and far away, and everything in between. This autofocus begins to fade around the age of 47. As a result, the lens is clear but dysfunctional. This necessitates the use of reading glasses and bifocals. The use of bifocals or readers can be eliminated by replacing the dysfunctional lens with a new artificial lens. The new lens will last indefinitely.
“Dr. Sura performed custom lens replacement, I am extremely satisfied with my experience. I don't miss the hassle of contacts or glasses.”
It works like magic.
Your damaged natural lens is replaced with a new artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL) during the procedure. The implant will not change the appearance of your eye, but it will improve your vision significantly. We offer a variety of intraocular lens options. These lenses can be customized to meet your specific visual needs.
You may be a good RLE candidate if:
You are presbyopic and need readers or bifocals to see
You are ready to get rid of those readers or bifocals
Your lens options, including the Light Adjustable Lens
The lens you choose determines what your vision can do afterward, and this choice matters more than anything else in RLE. At SuraVision your options include:
Monofocal lenses
A single sharp focus, typically set for distance, with readers for near tasks.
Trifocal lenses: PanOptix and PanOptix Pro
Range across distance, intermediate, and near, designed to reduce dependence on glasses at every distance.
Extended-depth-of-focus lenses: Vivity and PureSee
Smooth distance-to-intermediate vision with fewer nighttime visual effects, a strong fit for patients who drive at night.
TECNIS Odyssey
A full-visual-range lens designed to reduce the gaps between distances, with low rates of glare and halo in its clinical studies.
enVista Envy
A trifocal built on a glistening-free material, available in a toric version for astigmatism.
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens
The only lens that can be fine-tuned after surgery with quick, painless light treatments, so your final prescription is set from how you actually see, not just preoperative measurements. Dr. Sura was an early adopter of the Light Adjustable Lens and among the earlier surgeons in the Houston area to offer it.
Most of these lens families also offer toric versions to correct astigmatism. If you have researched a specific lens on YouTube or elsewhere, bring it up at your consultation; Dr. Sura will tell you honestly whether it fits your eyes, because the best lens is the one matched to your anatomy and your goals, not the one with the most views.
RLE compared with LASIK
LASIK reshapes the cornea and is usually the right choice for younger patients with a healthy natural lens. RLE replaces the lens itself, which makes it the stronger option when the lens is the problem: presbyopia, very high prescriptions, or early lens changes.
LASIK does not stop you from needing reading glasses in your 40s and 50s, and it does not prevent cataracts. RLE addresses both. Neither is better in the abstract; the right answer depends on your eyes and age, which is exactly what your consultation determines.
RLE compared with cataract surgery
The procedures are surgically identical. The difference is timing and intent: cataract surgery replaces a lens that has already clouded, while RLE replaces a clear lens to correct vision now, on your schedule, with the full choice of advanced lenses. Patients who choose RLE never need cataract surgery later.
What to expect
RLE is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, with eyes usually done on separate days. Most patients notice improved vision within a day or two and return to normal activities quickly.
Like any surgery, RLE has risks, including infection, retinal detachment (more relevant for very nearsighted eyes), and the possibility of needing a lens adjustment or glasses for some tasks. Dr. Sura reviews the risks that apply to your specific eyes honestly at your consultation.
Cost and financing
Refractive lens exchange at SuraVision starts at $5,000 per eye. The final price depends on the lens technology chosen for your eyes, which is exactly what your consultation determines. RLE is an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. We believe in transparency, so you receive your complete price in writing at your consultation, with no surprises, and we offer interest-free financing to help.
Why patients choose SuraVision for RLE
You work directly with Dr. Sura from your first scans through surgery and every follow-up. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon, an early adopter of the Light Adjustable Lens, and the practice is built on transparent pricing, honest candidacy guidance, and the patient-first care reflected in our 580-plus five-star reviews. To find out whether RLE fits your eyes, call 713-730-2020 to schedule a consultation.
Top reasons patients choose us for custom lens replacement.
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Our RLE pricing starts at $5,000 per eye depending on the lens technology chosen for your eyes, and your complete price is always provided in writing with no surprises.
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We offer 24-month interest-free financing.
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You will meet directly with Dr. Sura, your surgeon, to formulate the best plan for your eyes.
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You receive a comprehensive, personalized diagnostic of your eyes during your consultation.
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RLE takes only a few minutes from start to finish, and your vision recovers quickly afterward.
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“Lenses are also available for younger patients who don’t have cataracts and simply want to eliminate the need for distance, computer and reading glasses.”
—Globe Newswire
Patient-Focused Care is Our Standard (But Don't Take Our Word For It)
Every patient has unique eyes and a unique story. We welcome you to read the stories of the many happy patients we’ve been honored to serve at SuraVision. These individuals made the phone call, made the drive to our office and made the decision to transform their lives through one of the Modern Vision Correction procedures we offer at SuraVision. We invite you to do the same!
Start with a custom lens replacement consultation.
At SuraVision, you will find so much more than a basic custom lens replacement screening. Your SuraVision Ocular Analysis is the most in-depth eye exam you’ll ever experience. You will meet personally with Dr. Sura, your surgeon. He will review your scans, explain your options, and answer all your questions. You will be empowered to choose the ideal vision correction procedure for your unique eyes and lifestyle.
How much are glasses and contacts costing you?
The average person spends $25,000+ on glasses, contact lenses, solution, eye exams, etc. It’s like renting “good” vision from the glasses and contacts lenses industry. Worst of all, these will NEVER improve your vision. Use our affordability calculator and see how much you can save by getting RLE.
RLE questions? We've got answers.
Is RLE surgery covered by insurance?
Custom lens replacement, also known as refractive lens exchange, is an elective procedure that is not covered by insurance. Pricing starts at $5,000 per eye depending on the lens technology chosen, and you receive your complete price in writing at your consultation. We offer 24-month, interest-free financing, and you can also use your HSA or FSA.
How long does RLE last?
Custom lens replacement is a long-term solution for vision correction that last virtually forever. The intraocular lens will not need to be replaced because it is designed to last the rest of your life.
Does RLE surgery hurt?
No. You will be given medication to keep you comfortable during your RLE procedure.
How long does RLE take?
Custom lens replacement takes about 15 minutes and produces almost instant results. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Will RLE affect my future eye health?
Custom lens replacement surgery will correct your vision and prevent the development of cataracts in the future.
Why was RLE recommended to me?
Custom lens replacement can effectively correct high amounts of nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as presbyopia (the need for readers or bifocals) that other procedures, such as LASIK or ICLs, may not be able to correct adequately.
What are the main benefits of RLE?
Custom lens replacement can effectively correct high amounts of nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as presbyopia (the need for readers or bifocals) that other procedures, such as LASIK or ICLs, may not be able to correct adequately.
When would I recover from RLE?
Recovery is quick. In fact, many individuals are able to return to normal routines within the next day or two. Each patient is different, so Dr. Sura will carefully monitor your healing after surgery.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for RLE?
Yes. A custom lens replacement is a procedure used in conjunction with a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account. You can use your company’s health or flexible spending account to pay for RLE.
What lenses can I choose for RLE?
Options include monofocal, trifocal (PanOptix, enVista Envy), full-range and extended-depth lenses (TECNIS Odyssey, Vivity, PureSee), toric versions for astigmatism, and the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens, which can be fine-tuned after surgery with light treatments. Dr. Sura recommends the lens that fits your eyes at your consultation.
How is RLE different from LASIK?
LASIK reshapes the cornea and suits younger eyes with healthy lenses. RLE replaces the lens itself, which makes it the better fit for presbyopia and very high prescriptions. Your consultation determines which is right for your eyes.
Am I a candidate for RLE?
The strongest candidates are over 40 with presbyopia, high prescriptions, or corneas that rule out LASIK. The only way to know is a consultation, where Dr. Sura examines your eyes and recommends the right procedure for you. Call 713-730-2020.