{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/what-is-refractive-lens-exchange-how-does-it-work\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/what-is-refractive-lens-exchange-how-does-it-work\/","headline":"What is refractive lens exchange? How does it work?","name":"What is refractive lens exchange? How does it work?","description":"In this video, Dr. Erik Chotiner explains how refractive lens exchange works and how it differs from other eye treatments. Find out more...","datePublished":"2021-02-10","dateModified":"2026-02-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/author\/memorial-eye-institute\/#Person","name":"Memorial Eye Institute","url":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/author\/memorial-eye-institute\/","identifier":10,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/27ec50ce3f9c3a68dc9c86fb6487bf8c6eeb3b402efcb914c2f7b7061b3db280?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/27ec50ce3f9c3a68dc9c86fb6487bf8c6eeb3b402efcb914c2f7b7061b3db280?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Memorial Eye Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-MEI.png","url":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-MEI.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/what-is-refractive-lens-exchange-how-does-it-work-Dr-Bennett-Chotiner-Memorial-Eye-Institute-Harrisburg.jpg","url":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/what-is-refractive-lens-exchange-how-does-it-work-Dr-Bennett-Chotiner-Memorial-Eye-Institute-Harrisburg.jpg","height":450,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/memorialeye.com\/what-is-refractive-lens-exchange-how-does-it-work\/","about":["Lens surgery"],"wordCount":646,"articleBody":"What is refractive lens exchange? How does it work?To understand\u00a0refractive lens exchange,\u00a0we must understand how the eye works. The eye focuses images from the front of the eye to the back of the eye. Here, the image is captured by the retina and transmitted to the brain.\u00a0When we look at the focusing system of the eye, we see two components. The first is the cornea, which is the eye’s outer layer, and the second is the internal lens in the eye, which sits behind the pupil.\u00a0Under 40Before the age of 40, individuals need glasses or contact lenses due to the cornea’s inability to focus light on the retina. In this age group, we use corneal refractive procedures, such as\u00a0LASIK, to change the shape of the cornea and allow images to focus clearly, without glasses or contact lenses.\u00a0Over 40As we age, the internal lens of the eye changes. When we are young, the lens is completely clear and flexible. This flexibility allows us to focus from distance to near. Unfortunately, due to the natural aging process, this ability doesn’t last forever, as people in their mid-40s or older can attest.Over time, the lens hardens and becomes dysfunctional, interfering with its ability to focus from distance to near. A condition we call presbyopia. Presbyopia continues to worsen in our 50s and 60s, and we require more powerful reading glasses to see up close. Eventually, the lens becomes cloudy and affects the ability to see clearly. This cloudy lens is what we call a cataract.Modern cataract surgeryWhen we remove a\u00a0cataract, we replace the cloudy lens with a clear, intraocular lens implant. In the past, cataract and lens implant surgery’s goal was merely to replace the cloudy lens. Modern and interocular lens implant surgery, however, enables us to not only replace the cloudy lens with a clear one but also restore a patient’s ability to focus from distance to near. This provides a full range of vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.Over the past several years, modern intraocular lens implant surgery has become very safe and effective.Refractive lens exchangeWe now can perform what we term refractive lens exchange. Refractive lens exchange is basically intraocular lens implant surgery for patients in their mid to late forties and older who are presbyopic, but who have not yet developed visually significant cataracts.\u00a0In suitable candidates, refractive lens exchange can help to restore the ability to focus from distance to near, and in many cases provide a full range of vision without glasses or contact lenses.Find out if you\u2019re clinically suitable for vision correction and\u00a0book your free appointment using our online scheduler, or give us a call on (717) 996-3016.\u00a0If you’re serious about clear vision and reducing or eliminating your dependence on corrective eyewear, this is the ideal next step. Not only will it give you the certainty you need regarding the best treatment for you, but it’s also free! Book now.Share This Story\t\t\tHome \u00bb Lens surgery \u00bb What is refractive lens exchange? How does it work?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSearch for:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind us#text-2 li { border-color:#e1b768;}Get a free appointment and find out if LASIK could help you\t\t\tThe first step to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses is to book a free suitability appointment. Book below to discover your options and get an answer about whether LASIK is right for you.BOOK AN APPOINTMENT\t\tCan you be free from glasses and contacts?The best way to find out if laser eye surgery is right for you is to get a free appointment. You\u2019ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and treatment optionsBOOK A FREE APPOINTMENTRecognized Leaders in Harrisburg LASIK Eye SurgeryProviding advanced & personalized VISION CORRECTION to Central Pennsylvania communities"}