Free yourself from reading glasses with refractive lens exchange in Bratislava – Just a short trip from Austria

Thanks to the wide range of surgical procedures we offer, we can recommend the method that will best correct your vision and provide you with long-term freedom from glasses.

One of the most effective solutions is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) — an ideal treatment for patients over 45 who are no longer suitable candidates for laser eye surgery but want to live without glasses or contact lenses. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, premium lenses can correct your vision.

Just like laser procedures, this modern method is precise, painless, and healing takes less than 24 hours

Refractive lens exchange is ideal for adults over 45 who rely on reading glasses or have presbyopia (age-related near vision loss).

It is especially suitable for those who are not good candidates for laser eye surgery due to high prescriptions, early lens changes, or dry eyes.

Candidates should have healthy eyes overall and be free from advanced eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

A thorough eye examination and consultation with your surgeon will confirm if refractive lens exchange is right for you and determine the best lens type for your lifestyle.

Refractive lens exchange works by replacing your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects your vision.

The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and takes about 15 minutes per eye. The surgeon uses gentle ultrasound to remove your natural lens and then inserts the new lens.

This new lens can be tailored to correct reading vision, distance vision, or both.

The treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, and most patients return home the same day.

With the new lens, you can enjoy life with improved vision and reduced dependence on glasses.

One of the biggest advantages of refractive lens exchange is that it permanently treats presbyopia and eliminates the need for cataract surgery in the future. It can significantly reduce or eliminate your need for glasses.

However, it is a surgical procedure and comes with recovery time and cost. Some patients may still need low-strength glasses for certain tasks. It’s not reversible, so careful planning and consultation are important.

For the right candidate, the benefits—freedom from reading glasses, improved quality of life, and long-term clarity—often outweigh the disadvantages.

While refractive lens exchange is a safe and routine procedure, it does carry some risks.

These include infection, inflammation, glare, halos, or visual disturbances, especially at night. In rare cases, there may be complications with the new lens, such as shifting or requiring replacement. Retinal detachment is also a very rare but serious risk.

These complications are uncommon and can be minimized through careful planning, modern techniques, and postoperative care.

Our surgeons will walk you through every detail and help you understand what to expect, so you can feel confident and informed before making your decision.

If refractive lens exchange isn’t right for you, there are alternatives. Prelex (presbyopic lens exchange) is a similar option using advanced multifocal lenses.

Monovision laser surgery can also help in selected cases. For those not ready for surgery, high-quality progressive glasses or contact lenses remain viable solutions.

During your consultation, we’ll help you explore all options based on your age, vision needs, and lifestyle.

The process begins with a detailed consultation and thorough eye exam to determine your suitability and lens choice.

On surgery day, the eye is numbed with drops and a tiny incision is made. Your natural lens is gently removed and replaced with a custom intraocular lens.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye. Most patients recover quickly, with vision improving within a few days.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing. You’ll receive personalised aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery.

The goal is a smooth experience with long-term visual improvement.

Most patients experience significant improvement in their near and distance vision after refractive lens exchange.

Reading menus, using your phone, and seeing clearly without glasses becomes a daily reality. Vision continues to stabilise over a few weeks, and final results are typically excellent. Many patients achieve spectacle independence.

Because the lens does not age like the natural one, the results are long-lasting. Your outcome will depend on your prescription, eye health, and chosen lens type.

Our goal is to provide vision that fits your life and lets you enjoy everyday activities without limitations.

Why travel far when world-class eye care is right next door? Bratislava is only 45 minutes from Vienna, making it a convenient option for Austrians looking for expert eye surgery without the high costs. At VESELY Eye Clinic, we offer treatments that meet the same medical standards as top Austrian clinics—but at a more affordable price. You’ll be seen by experienced, German-speaking professionals who understand your needs and speak your language. Our patients from Austria appreciate the ease of travel, shorter waiting times, and personalised attention. If you’re ready to say goodbye to glasses and reading aids, Bratislava might be the best-kept secret just across the border.

With over 80 years of experience, VESELY Eye Clinic is a name generations have trusted. Founded in 1939, we’re now run by the third generation of eye specialists in the Veselý family. What sets us apart isn’t just our history—it’s our people. You won’t feel like a number here. We take the time to understand your story, your lifestyle, and your goals. Our modern, welcoming clinic in the heart of Bratislava blends tradition with innovation, offering high-end care in a calm, patient-focused environment. Our clinic is a training centre for the entire EMEA region and part of the compulsory university training programme, ensuring our surgeons stay at the forefront of the latest advances. Whether you’re worried, curious, or ready to act, we’re here to guide you with care, clarity, and compassion.

At VESELY, we offer the most advanced eye surgeries available today. For those tired of glasses or contact lenses, our laser treatments include iLASIK, SILK, PRK, and LASEK—each tailored to different eye types and lifestyles. If you’re over 40 and struggling with reading glasses, we also specialise in Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)—a long-term solution for age-related vision changes. Every eye is different, and so is every treatment. That’s why we start with a detailed assessment to find the best procedure for your unique needs. Our goal? To give you clear, comfortable vision—so you can focus on what really matters in life.