Refractive lens exchange in India

The natural lens stiffens with age, causing presbyopia. Replacing it with a monofocal, multifocal, extended depth of focus or toric lens can reduce dependence on glasses. Once replaced, a cataract cannot develop in that lens.

Because it is intraocular surgery, risks are higher than laser surface or flap procedures. Retinal detachment risk is a particular consideration in very short-sighted people.

How this approach differs

RLE is chosen when laser correction cannot achieve the goal or when lens ageing is already the problem. Choice of lens type is the key decision and affects night vision and reading ability.

Who needs refractive lens exchange

• People over about 45 with long sight or presbyopia
• People with high prescriptions outside laser ranges
• People with early lens changes who want refractive correction
• Not usually advised for young people with healthy lenses

How it is done

1. Eye measurements (biometry) calculate lens power.
2. Numbing drops or a local injection.
3. A tiny incision is made in the cornea.
4. The lens is broken up with ultrasound and removed.
5. A folded artificial lens is inserted.
6. The second eye is often done a few days later.

Before you travel to India

• Biometry may need to be done in India; stop contact lenses beforehand
• Bring retinal check reports if you are very short-sighted
• Plan about ten days for both eyes

Recovery and flying home

• Vision improves within days.
• Eye drops for several weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting and swimming briefly.
• Long-term check-ups at home.

Risks

• Infection inside the eye (rare)
• Retinal detachment
• Swelling at the back of the eye
• Glare or halos with multifocal lenses
• Later clouding of the lens capsule

Alternatives

• LASIK or PRK
• ICL
• Reading glasses

Hospitals in India for refractive lens exchange

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• Aster MedcityKochi
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
• Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
• Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
• Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital, Mira RoadMumbai
• Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Parul Maheshwari SharmaFortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• Dr Gopal S PillaiAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Dr Ajit Babu MajjiYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
• Dr S A Hussain NaqviYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
• Dr Sujithra HAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Dr Bhanu Prakash MYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices