If you’re over 50 and frustrated by reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses—or you’re simply not a candidate for LASIK—Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a life-changing procedure that could be your path to visual freedom. RLE frees you from glasses and the worry of cataracts—by replacing your eye’s natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL), giving you clear, lasting vision.
At K2 Vision, our surgeons specialize in modern vision correction—and bring unmatched experience to lens-based treatments. Dr. Andrew Kopstein, one of North America’s most experienced RLE surgeons, leads a team of highly trained ophthalmologists who focus exclusively on helping patients achieve visual freedom through procedures like RLE and cataract surgery.
We’ve helped thousands of people across Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, Portland, the Tri-Cities, and Scottsdale/Phoenix rediscover life without glasses—and we’re ready to help you take the first step toward visual freedom.
(RLE) is an advanced, outpatient procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with a premium artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL). RLE is nearly identical to cataract surgery—but it’s performed before cataracts develop, making it a proactive solution for age-related vision changes. RLE surgery is designed to correct a wide range of refractive errors, reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and prevent cataracts from forming later in life. RLE is your first step toward visual freedom.
RLE is a powerful option for patients with a variety of vision needs. It treats:
RLE isn’t just about clearer vision—it’s the first step to living free. That’s the vision we believe in. Our patients are gaining back the ease and independence they thought they’d lost.- Dr. Andrew Kopstein
Our team will help you select the IOL that fits your vision and your life. Options include:
Every eye is different, and your lifestyle, vision needs, and eye health all play a role in determining the right lens. At your RLE consultation, we’ll walk you through all your options and explain how each one could impact your daily life.
When it comes to lens-based vision correction, no one has more experience than K2 Vision. Collectively, our surgical team has performed nearly 150,000 lens-based procedures, making us one of the most experienced practices in North America. We are:
With tens of thousands of procedures behind us, we’re not relying on averages—we’re building your vision plan around outcomes we’ve seen firsthand, again and again.- Dr. Andrew Kopstein
RLE may be the right solution for you if:
Start with a free consult to see if you’re a good candidate.
Your journey begins with a free, no-pressure consultation where our team takes the time to understand your vision goals and evaluate your overall eye health. During this visit, we’ll:
Note: If you wear contact lenses, we may ask you to stop wearing them for a few days before your evaluation, as they can temporarily affect the shape of your cornea.
We’ll also go over what to expect before and after surgery, answer all your questions, and provide detailed pre-op instructions tailored to you.
RLE is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes only about 15 minutes per eye. Here’s what you can expect on the day of surgery:
Many patients choose to have the second eye treated within a few days of the first for quicker overall recovery.
"I would HIGHLY recommend and completely place your trust with K2 Vision. The entire staff have demonstrated to me that my care and treatment took priority over any other consideration. If you are unsure about making the decision… let me say that you will experience a huge change in your current vision. The procedure was fast with no discomfort. Dr. Kopstein and his staff are highly skilled professionals that focus on you. I have recommended my family and friends to K2. Thanks Dr. Kopstein and team."
Luke G. - RLE Patient
Recovery is fast and typically very comfortable. Most patients notice clearer vision as soon as the next day, especially with Multifocal or Light Adjustable Lenses. Here’s what to expect:
Both procedures involve replacing the natural lens with an IOL. The difference is timing: RLE is proactive, done before cataracts develop, while cataract surgery is reactive. (AAO)
Yes. RLE will correct astigmatism. This can be done through a few different options: LRI, Toric Lens, Light Adjustable Lens or a surface laser.
Not at all. The procedure is performed with numbing eye drops, and most patients report no discomfort and are surprised by how quick it is.
As with any procedure, there are risks such as infection, inflammation, or halos around lights—but these are rare.5 Your surgeon will review everything in detail during your consultation.
Yes. Having LASIK in the past doesn’t disqualify you from RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). In fact, many patients who had LASIK years ago choose RLE later in life to address age-related changes in vision, like presbyopia or early cataracts. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your eyes to ensure RLE is the right option for you.
Most patients enjoy sharper, clearer vision at multiple distances—often without the need for reading glasses or bifocals. Your specific outcome depends on the type of lens implant selected, which we tailor to your visual goals and lifestyle. Many patients tell us it feels like turning back the clock on their eyesight.
Yes. RLE is a one-time procedure that replaces your natural lens with an artificial one designed to last a lifetime. Unlike laser vision correction, RLE also prevents the development of cataracts in the future, offering a long-term solution for vision correction.
RLE is considered an elective vision correction procedure, so it’s not typically covered by insurance. However, many patients use health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or financing options to make it more affordable. We’re happy to walk you through your options during your visit.
Costs vary depending on the lens type and your unique vision needs. While RLE is not typically covered by insurance, we offer flexible financing to make it accessible. Your free consult will include a personalized cost estimate.
Most people return to normal routines in 1–2 days. We’ll give you detailed post-op instructions to keep your recovery smooth and safe.
The results are permanent. Since your natural lens is replaced with an artificial one, you won’t need cataract surgery later in life.
Schedule your free RLE Zoom consultation at one of our locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, Portland, the Tri-Cities, or Scottsdale/Phoenix. Discover what it means to free your eyes—and your life—with K2 Vision RLE.
