[Refractive Lens Exchange].

In refractive surgery the removal of the natural lens followed by implantation of an artificial intraocular lens has been an established method to treat refractive errors. The term "clear lens exchange" separates this approach from cataract surgery, where a cloudy lens has to be removed. With regard to currently available intraocular lens technologies, there is a wide range to correct myopia, hyperopia as well as astigmatism. Trifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses (EDOF) even with a toric component offer the patients a potential benefit to further address presbyopia, respectively. Furthermore, the surgery in combination with Femtosecond laser-assistance offers more precision to this highly elective approach.This article provides an overview about currently available procedures and implants to correct presbyopia and refractive errors. A thorough evaluation of risk and benefit for each patient group is given with regard to recent guidelines of the German Commission for Refractive Surgery (KRC).