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RLE Recovery and Aftercare

What to know after your RLE procedure

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Taking care of your eyes after refractive lens exchange is important for healing. Follow our aftercare instructions to avoid complications and enjoy the life-changing benefits of sight without glasses or contacts.

For up to a year after surgery, we follow up with you to track your recovery to ensure you experience the best possible outcome, based on your vision goals.

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Refractive Lens Exchange

What Does Recovery From RLE Look Like?

After your procedure, you’ll return to Durrie Vision to complete a one-day post-op appointment. After your one-day post-operative appointment, you will be able to resume daily activities. Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed. Over the next few days, you will notice the complete effect of refractive lens exchange surgery.

Refractive Lens Exchange Recovery Timeline

5

During Your Surgery

  • Your procedure only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Discomfort will vary. You may experience some mild itchiness or a scratchy foreign body sensation.
  • Light sensitivity is expected, as your pupils may be dilated for up to 24 hours following surgery.
  • Immediately following surgery, your vision will likely be blurry, but it will gradually improve over the next few weeks.
5

24 to 48 Hours After Surgery

  • You may begin to notice the positive effects of your surgery.
  • Attend your one-day post-operative appointment.
  • Rest to promote recovery from RLE.
  • Use your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed.
  • Start wearing eye shields at night.
5

First Week

  • Your vision will continue to improve during this time.
  • By this time, you’ve likely returned to work and daily activities (unless they include heavy lifting, swimming, or hot tub use).
  • We recommend light exercise only, such as walking.
  • Wear your eye shields at night until the end of the first week.
5

Two to Four Weeks

  • Your vision will continue to improve even more.
  • Much of the healing process has occurred by this time.
  • You may resume activities other than swimming and hot tubs.
5

One to Three Months

  • Healing is complete.
  • Most people will see the full results of their surgery.
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Restrictions After Your RLE Procedure

Return to driving if you feel confident in your vision after your one-day exam.

Return to work and most activities as comfort allows.

Shower or bathe with caution. Avoid soap or water in your eyes.

You can wear makeup after your one-day post-operative exam. Be careful when applying or removing makeup.

Use caution with heavy lifting (>25 to 30 lbs) and with physical exertion for one month.

No hot tub or swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean for one month.

Do’s and Don’ts After RLE

DO:

  • Frequently use preservative-free artificial tears. (They cannot be overused!)
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
  • Take NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen as needed.
  • Wear eye shields when sleeping for one week.
  • Relax after surgery. You may take a nap if you wish.
  • Have a responsible adult stay with you for 12 to 24 hours.

DON’T:

  • Do not rub or bump your eyes.
  • Hurt your eye with the tip of the eye dropper when instilling eye drops.

Medications

After your procedure, you’ll receive a prescription(s) for medicated eye drops and guidance on any recommended over-the-counter drops. Specific instructions will be provided to you directly as part of your personalized care plan.

Reach Out to Our Team

Stay connected to our team after your refractive lens exchange procedure. Call Durrie Vision with any questions or concerns about refractive lens exchange surgery recovery time.

Don’t just take our word for it!

“I was impressed with the amount of detailed testing they did at my initial consultation. I had a great experience the day of my LASIK procedure with all of the staff. The results are amazing for such a quick procedure!”

Melissa S

“After 25+ years of glasses and contacts, all it took was about 10 minutes of surgery to correct my vision. Everyone was friendly and easy to work with throughout the process. To anyone considering getting their vision corrected, I give my highest recommendation to Durrie Vision.”

Brad

“Walked into the office unable to see the Snellen chart, walked out after SBK seeing 20/30, which improved to 20/15 at my next day follow-up. The entire process was seamless and professional, and the results are absolutely unbelievable. Had no idea my vision could ever be this clear.”

Kristin

“Quick, easy, friendly! Dr. Stahl did my SBK and I was seeing 20/15 the next morning! Amazing!”

Madalyn

“I had LASIK done last week and I am very pleased. I had never worn contacts and was not comfortable touching my eyes so I was nervous, but they provide Valium to ease nerves  It was easier than I expected. They say you’re in surgery for eight minutes but it didn’t even feel that long.”

Michael

“From the time that I walked into the building for my consultation until I walked out from my post-operation check-up, I was extremely impressed with the level of care. The attention to detail, the technology used to treat my astigmatism and the affordable cost, all were things that stood out.”

Ryan

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During your free consultation visit, you will meet with an experienced refractive surgeon who will discuss your results along with a custom recommendation for treatment.

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From The Experts At Durrie Vision