# Refractive Lens Exchange

> Citation bundle for Refractive Lens Exchange on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/refractive-lens-exchange
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/refractive-lens-exchange

- Category: ophthalmology

## Description

Clear lens extraction, also known as refractive lensectomy, custom lens replacement or refractive lens exchange is a surgical procedure in which clear lens of the human eye is removed. Unlike cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed to treat a cataract, clear lens extraction is done to surgically correct refractive errors such as high myopia.

## Overview

Clear lens extraction, also known as refractive lensectomy, custom lens replacement or refractive lens exchange is a surgical procedure in which clear lens of the human eye is removed. Unlike cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed to treat a cataract, clear lens extraction is done to surgically correct refractive errors such as high myopia. It can also be done in hyperopic or presbyopic patients who wish to have a multifocal IOL implanted to avoid wearing glasses. It is also used as a treatment for diseases such as angle closure glaucoma.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## Peer-reviewed outcome rates

- **Complication rate:** 7.67% (range 7.60–7.74%) — from 2 cited sources

## Cited authors

- Diana Carmen Dragnea — From the Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium (Dragnea, Goemaere, Tassignon, Dhubhghaill); Departme…
- Veshesh Patel — Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

## Sources

- [Intraocular bag-in-the-lens exchange: indications, outcomes, and complications.](https://doi.org/10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000787) — Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (accessed 2026-06-28)
- [Intraocular Lens Exchange: Indications, Comparative Outcomes by Technique, and Complications.](https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S399857) — Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) (accessed 2026-06-28)