Ageing Eyes: Why Before Christmas is a Great Time for RLE Surgery

Have You Noticed a Change in your Eyesight?

If this sounds familiar, it may be time to explore RLE surgery, a long-term solution that not only addresses the challenges of ageing eyes but also eliminates the need for future cataract surgery. And when it comes to timing, the festive season may be the perfect window to take action.

What Is RLE Surgery?

RLE stands for Refractive Lens Exchange, a procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This type of lens can correct common age-related vision issues such as presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close), as well as hyperopia (long-sightedness), myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism.

The procedure is almost identical to cataract surgery but performed before the onset of significant cataracts.

For busy professionals and active individuals in their 40s, 50s or 60s, RLE surgery provides an opportunity to regain visual freedom and improve daily life significantly.

Why not watch this really helpful RLE explainer video from one of our consultant surgeons, Mr Romesh Angunawela.

Why Christmas Is the Ideal Time to Consider RLE Surgery

Timing any surgery around your work and social life is key, and for many, the lead-up to Christmas presents a unique opportunity to prioritise their eye health. Here’s why:

1. Take Advantage of Annual Leave

Most people use their annual leave during December, meaning you can schedule your consultation and surgery without taking additional time off in the new year. RLE surgery typically has a fast recovery time, with many patients back to normal activities within a week.

Using your existing time off over the holidays allows you to recover in comfort and return to work in January with clearer vision and renewed confidence.

2. Reduce the Hassle of Glasses Over the Holidays

The festive season is packed with social events, travel, and family time. Constantly switching between glasses for reading, driving and watching the television can be inconvenient, especially when out and about or visiting relatives.

RLE surgery offers a permanent solution, meaning you can enjoy the holidays without relying on glasses or worrying about misplacing them at gatherings or events.

3. Start the New Year with Renewed Focus

January is often a time for fresh starts and new intentions. Whether you're focusing on your health, professional goals or personal freedom, clear and hassle-free vision can play a major part in supporting those aspirations.

Having RLE surgery in December means you’ll start the new year with greater clarity, literally and figuratively.

Who Is a Good Candidate for RLE Surgery?

RLE surgery is typically suited for people over the age of 45 who:

• Are struggling with presbyopia or reading glasses
• Want to reduce their reliance on multifocal or varifocal glasses
• Have been told they are not suitable for laser eye surgery
• May be developing early signs of cataracts
• Want a long-term solution with minimal future intervention

Unlike laser procedures that reshape the cornea, RLE surgery addresses the lens itself, the part of the eye most affected by age. The result is sharp, stable vision across distances.

What to Expect From the Procedure

RLE is a day-case procedure performed under mild sedation with numbing drops. Most patients report little to no discomfort, and the surgery itself takes only 10 to 15 minutes per eye.  Typically, both eyes are treated on the same day to support recovery time, however you can choose to separate the treatments if you prefer.

Post-operative care is straightforward, with eye drops and follow-up checks to ensure healing is on track. Many patients notice immediate improvement in their vision within the first 48 hours.

By choosing to undergo RLE surgery before Christmas, you allow plenty of time to rest during the quieter days between Christmas and New Year, with no major interruptions to your regular routine.

Benefits of RLE Surgery for Ageing Eyes

Choosing RLE isn’t just about convenience over Christmas. It offers meaningful, long-term benefits for those experiencing age-related vision changes.

Permanent Vision Correction

RLE eliminates the need for reading glasses, bifocals and varifocals, freeing you from the constant juggle and cost of updating prescriptions.

No Risk of Cataracts in Future

Because the natural lens is replaced, cataracts cannot develop. This reduces the need for future surgeries and keeps your vision clear as you age.

Tailored Lenses for Your Lifestyle

The artificial lens used in RLE surgery can be selected based on your visual needs, whether you want distance clarity, reading vision, or both (via multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses).

Increased Confidence and Independence

Whether you’re travelling, working or socialising, freedom from glasses enhances your confidence and quality of life. This can be especially important during the social season, where being on camera or meeting new people is common.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you’re considering RLE surgery before Christmas, the earlier you plan, the better. December can be a busy period for many clinics and ensuring you have adequate time for your initial consultation, surgery and follow-up is essential.

Booking now allows:

• Enough time to assess your eye health and suitability
• Access to a full range of high-quality lenses
• Recovery time before January’s busy return to work

Book a FREE RLE Surgery Consultation with OCL Vision

Ageing eyes don’t have to mean giving up the visual clarity you once enjoyed. With RLE surgery, you can take control of your vision, reduce your reliance on glasses and enter the new year feeling focused, confident and comfortable.

Choosing to have the procedure before Christmas not only makes the most of your downtime but also ensures you can enjoy festive events with clearer, more independent sight.

Book your consultation today and discover how RLE surgery could transform your vision in time for Christmas. Our team of trusted surgeons are here to guide you through every step, so you can enjoy the festive season and the year ahead with clear vision.