A procedure called refractive lens exchange is becoming the choice for people who want to have clearer vision but are over the age of 50. This is because during these years, it is more practical to have the lens replaced rather than alter the shape of the cornea through laser eye surgery. Over time, the natural lens of the eye will become clouded with cataracts so instead of having laser vision correction and then having cataract surgery in the future, this can be done in one step through refractive lens exchange.

Through RLE, a lens is permanently implanted in the eye in place of the natural lens. This eliminates the problem of developing cataracts in the future since the artificial lens does not have proteins that can clump up and cloud vision, as can happen in the natural lens of the eye.

For people who want surgical correction to permanently correct blurry vision, choosing which procedure is appropriate would need a consultation with a qualified eye surgeon or eye doctor. The initial assessment or consultation is usually free of charge. This is the time wherein the eye would be examined and the history of the patient, age, the current eye prescription, and the general condition of the eye will be taken into consideration. Any questions that the patient might have regarding the methods, recovery period, benefits, risks, and cost will be answered during this time.

The price for refractive lens exchange varies depending on a number of factors and can cost $2500 to $4500 per eye or even more. The price usually includes the comprehensive eye assessment fees. Visual acuity measurements are needed to assess how clearly the eyes are seeing. Refractive tests determine the lens power needed to correct any refractive errors such as short sightedness, long sightedness, and astigmatism. Further tests are done to determine how well the eyes focus, accommodate, and move in unison. The general health of the eye will also be evaluated as well as the surrounding eye tissue. Other in depth tests may be done depending on the results of general tests.

The price also includes procedure costs. The patient will require numbing drops, lubrication medications, and sometimes even mild sedatives. The price for any type of surgery is affected by economic conditions and expenses in maintaining equipment, staff, and hospital administration. Newer technologies bring better visual outcomes and fewer complications but also higher prices in the procedures.

The type of intraocular lens to be used will also significantly affect the price of the procedure. There are many types of lenses such as the most commonly used monofocal lens, the newer accommodative IOLs, toric lenses, or multifocal intraocular lenses.

The cost will also be dependent on consultant surgeon fees. A more experienced eye surgeon may charge more than one who has less experience. Of course, the reputation and the skill of the surgeon will also be taken into account. Although it might be tempting to have surgery under junior doctors who charge considerably less, it is a wise choice to go for more experienced surgeons. Remember that good eyesight is a gift and one should only settle for the best when it comes to the eyes.

The surgical cost would also likely include the required post operative as well as the take home medications and eye drops needed during recovery time. Often, the cost for refractive lens exchange procedure will also add in the cost of appropriate post surgical care by the consultant eye surgeon.

The community or location of the eye clinic will also affect the total cost of the procedure. Eye hospitals or eye clinics located in major cities often charge more so one can opt for nearby locations that charge lower fees. The reputation of the hospital or eye centre is also a significant factor. Different hospitals charge differently depending on the procedure.

Being an elective surgical procedure, refractive lens exchange is usually not covered by private medical insurance. Each insurance company is different so it is important to know the coverage before starting any treatment.

Just like eye cataract treatment, RLE can provide clearer near and distance vision through intraocular lens or IOL implants. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations and refractive lens exchange should have the same success because the procedures are alike. For cataract surgery cost and refractive lens exchange cost, one should compare different eye clinics and surgeons to get the best price.