If you’re over 45, you may have noticed that reading glasses have become a must, night driving is harder, or your vision just isn’t as crisp as it used to be. These changes come from the eye’s natural lens, not the cornea, which is why LASIK isn’t always the answer at this stage of life.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) replaces your natural lens with a custom-selected intraocular lens (IOL) implant to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts. At Ginsberg Eye, Dr. Barrett Ginsberg performs RLE in our in-office surgery suite in Naples, in about 10 minutes per eye.
When it comes to your vision, experience and technology matter. Dr. Barrett Ginsberg is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with more than two decades of experience in cataract and refractive surgery.
RLE is a vision correction procedure for patients 45 and older. Dr. Ginsberg removes the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with a custom-selected IOL, such as a monofocal, multifocal or extended depth of focus lens. The right lens depends on your lifestyle and vision goals.
On the day of surgery, you’ll receive a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops. Using an operating microscope, Dr. Ginsberg uses ultrasound and a femtosecond laser to gently remove the natural lens, then implants your new IOL. The small opening closes without stitches. Each eye is treated about one week apart.
RLE may be ideal for:
RLE is performed in our in-office surgery suite at our Naples location. Ginsberg Eye is the only practice in Southwest Florida offering office-based RLE, so you can avoid a surgery center shared by patients from multiple clinics. Consultations are available at both our Naples and Estero offices.
Wondering if RLE is right for you? Take our short self-assessment below to learn whether RLE or LASIK best suits your vision needs.
| LASIK | RLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Patient Age | Typically 18–45 | Typically 45+ |
| Corrects | Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism | Presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism |
| Eye Area Treated | Cornea | Natural lens |
| Technology Used | Laser reshaping of the cornea | Replacement with an intraocular lens (IOL) |
| Recovery | Vision improves within 24 hours | Vision stabilizes within days |
Starting around age 42, the eye’s natural lens begins to stiffen and lose focusing power, a process called Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome (DLS). LASIK reshapes the cornea but can’t address an aging lens. RLE treats the lens itself, which is why it is often the better choice after 45.
Under 45? Learn about All Laser LASIK →
Barrett Ross Ginsberg, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with over two decades of experience. He is the founder and medical director of Ginsberg Eye, a boutique ophthalmology practice in Olde Naples built on unhurried, deeply personal care.
Dr. Ginsberg earned Resident of the Year at the University of Florida Shands Teaching Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea, Cataract Surgery, Refractive Surgery and Uveitis at the University of California, Davis. He has performed thousands of eye surgeries and has lectured at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
From the first consultation to the final follow-up, our focus is personalized care and outstanding outcomes.
“Dr. Ginsberg and his staff were very thorough in assessing my lifestyle objectives and helping me select the multifocal lens. The procedure was so simple and painless! When I got back on the golf course it was wonderful not having to wear my bifocal sunglasses.” – Sharon
“I have had the pleasure of having Dr. Ginsberg as my Ophthalmologist for many years. He is one of the most caring physicians I have ever met, and his staff personifies his demeanor. He takes the time necessary with each patient and I have never felt rushed during an appointment. Over the years I have referred many patients his way including my family members and have never heard anything but praise for him. He is a genuinely good person and a great Doctor” – Bill Barnett, Former City of Naples Mayor
“About eight months ago, I was looking for an ophthalmologist for clear lens exchange surgery. Another physician in town recommended Dr. Ginsberg to me. Dr. Ginsberg is kind, knowledgeable, and has the most up to date technology. One of the very good things about Dr. Ginsberg is that he sees you for your follow-up care. He and his staff are friendly, funny, and put you at ease. My vision is remarkable!” – Taher
“My experience has been great at Ginsberg Eye. The office has state-of-the-art technology, and the staff is very friendly and professional. Dr. Ginsberg is a great ophthalmologist and the consummate professional. He is always upbeat and provides excellent care, and is receptive to questions, which I appreciate.”
“Have been visiting Dr. Ginsberg for two years – he has demonstrated he is a real ‘pro’ – evaluates information quickly and presents patient options … the office is efficiently run – both technical and administrative support are excellent. Each person you deal with is professionally talented, courteous and supportive of patient evaluation and care. …” – Paul David Miller
“Dr. Ginsberg is a remarkable doctor who shows great knowledge in his field, encouragement towards his patients' issues, and is kind and compassionate. I appreciate the care I receive at Ginsberg Eye!”
“I left my appointment feeling confident, reassured, and grateful to have found such an amazing doctor. If you're looking for someone who combines expertise with genuine kindness, look no further. Highly recommend!”
Ready to see if RLE can give you lasting freedom from glasses and readers? Contact Ginsberg Eye today to schedule your evaluation.
Call our Naples office, home to our in-office surgery suite, at (239) 325-2015, or request a consultation using our contact form. Consultations are available at both our Naples and Estero offices.
The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye. Each eye is treated about one week apart.
No. Before starting, Ginsberg Eye makes sure you're comfortable and your eyes are fully numb.
The surgical steps are essentially the same. Cataract surgery treats a cloudy lens that impairs vision. RLE is an elective procedure on a clear lens to correct refractive error and reduce dependence on glasses.
Vision usually improves immediately and continues to stabilize within a few days. Everyday activities like driving are usually resumed soon after.
No. You'll need someone to drive you home on the day of your procedure.
No. The premium lens implant is designed to last the rest of your life.
Many patients see a major reduction in their need for glasses or contacts, though some may still use them for specific tasks.
RLE is an elective procedure with upfront costs. Ginsberg Eye offers CareCredit financing to approved candidates, and you can use Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
As the only practice in Southwest Florida offering in-office RLE, Ginsberg Eye provides no IV sedation, individualized care, a familiar, low-stress environment and direct communication with our staff rather than a larger network.
RLE is performed in our in-office surgery suite at our Naples location. Consultations are available at both our Naples and Estero offices.
Fill out our online form or give us a call at (239) 325-2015 to reach our Naples office and request your RLE consultation.
239.306.8265