LENS IMPLANTATION (RLE) · GANGNAM, SEOUL
Lens Implantation in Seoul.
Permanent, at every distance.
Refractive Lens Exchange replaces your natural lens with a premium intraocular lens to correct presbyopia, high hyperopia and astigmatism — and cataracts can never develop afterwards.
QUICK ANSWER
What is refractive lens exchange (RLE)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), or lens implantation surgery, removes the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with a premium multifocal, trifocal or toric intraocular lens (IOL). It corrects presbyopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is similar to cataract surgery but performed before a cataract fully develops, and because the natural lens is replaced, cataracts cannot form later.
- Surgery time
- 15–30 min per eye
- Vision improves
- 24–48 hours
- Typical age
- Over 40
- Lenses
- Multifocal, trifocal, EDOF, toric
KEY BENEFITS
Why patients choose RLE
Permanent correction
Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts.
Prevents cataracts
With the natural lens replaced, cataracts can never develop.
All distances
Multifocal and trifocal IOLs correct near, intermediate and far vision.
For presbyopia & high hyperopia
Ideal for patients over 40 who are not LASIK or ICL candidates.
Fast procedure
About 15–30 minutes per eye.
Quick recovery
Improved vision within 24–48 hours.
CANDIDACY
Am I a candidate for RLE?
Lens implantation is ideal if you:
- Are over 40 with presbyopia (age-related near-vision loss)
- Have high hyperopia that LASIK or ICL cannot correct
- Want a permanent alternative to reading glasses or bifocals
- Are developing early cataracts and want to correct vision now
- Have stable eye health with no severe retinal conditions
Not the right fit? Compare options
Every eye is different. These alternatives may suit you better:
Already have cataracts? See presbyopia cataract surgery → Under 45 with high myopia? See ICL → Under 40? Compare SMILE → Cataract surgery →STEP BY STEP
Your RLE journey in three steps
- 01
Pre-surgery consultation
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Corneal and lens evaluation to choose the IOL
- Personalised plan and lens selection
- 02
Surgery (15–30 min per eye)
- Numbing eye drops for a pain-free procedure
- Femtosecond laser or phacoemulsification removes the natural lens
- New IOL implanted — no stitches
- 03
Recovery & aftercare
- Improved vision in 24–48 hours
- Full recovery within a few weeks
- Follow-ups to confirm visual outcomes
COMPARISON
Types of IOLs for RLE
| Lens type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Multifocal IOL | Clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances |
| Trifocal IOL | Enhanced depth perception and sharper vision at all distances |
| EDOF IOL | Smooth transition between focal points for natural vision |
| Toric IOL | Corrects astigmatism for sharper vision |
Our specialists help you choose the IOL that matches your lifestyle and vision goals.
WHY GANGNAM SMILE EYE CLINIC
Lens implantation experts in Gangnam
Expert RLE surgeons
Ophthalmologists specialising in refractive lens exchange.
Laser-assisted technology
Femtosecond laser and precision phacoemulsification.
Premium IOLs
Multifocal, trifocal and toric options.
Personal care
Comprehensive evaluation and customised aftercare.
YOUR SURGEONS
Dr. Yeom Dong Ju, MD, Ph.D. — Chief Ophthalmologist
Over 20 years in ophthalmology and more than 10,000 LASIK procedures. Ph.D. in Medicine; M.D., Inje University College of Medicine; residency at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. He leads a team of board-certified ophthalmologists — Dr. Jeong Sang Jun, Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung and Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo — trusted by Korean national archers An San and Kim Woo-jin.
Dr. Jeong Sang Jun
Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung
Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo
COST
How much does lens implantation cost in Seoul?
RLE cost depends on the premium IOL selected and the complexity of the procedure. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans — contact us for a personalised quote.
Get a personalised quote
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. Our English-speaking team replies with candidacy guidance and a quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Lens implantation questions, answered
What is the difference between RLE and cataract surgery? +
Both replace the natural lens with an IOL. Cataract surgery treats a clouded lens; RLE is done before a cataract develops, mainly to correct presbyopia or high hyperopia.
Who is RLE for? +
Usually people over 40 with presbyopia or high hyperopia who are not good candidates for LASIK or ICL.
Can I get cataracts after RLE? +
No. Because the natural lens is replaced, cataracts cannot develop afterwards.
How long is recovery? +
Most people see better within 24–48 hours, with full recovery within a few weeks.
Last updated October 2026 · Information is general and does not replace an eye examination.
RELATED TREATMENTS
Explore other options at our Gangnam clinic
FREE CONSULTATION
Over 40? See clearly at every distance.
English-speaking team · 1 minute from Gangnam Station Exit 10 · Reply on WhatsApp.
405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Gangnam Stn Exit 10 · 1-min walk
Sat 09:30–16:30 · Lunch 13:00–14:00
2nd & 4th Fri: evening appointments
Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
