Clear Lens Exchange

Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), Also Known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): A LASIK Alternative

LASIK vision correction is not always the best treatment option for patients who are severely farsighted (meaning they have trouble seeing clearly up-close). In a similar circumstance, some people in their 40s and 50s come into our office complaining that their near vision is getting worse and they are worried that they are becoming farsighted. In reality, most of these latter patients are experiencing the signs of presbyopia. Surprisingly, these are two different vision conditions that can both be corrected by the same procedure: clear lens exchange (CLE). This process involves removing the natural eye lens and replacing it with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that is designed specifically to help you achieve the clear vision you want. After a comprehensive evaluation, our doctors can recommend the right type of IOL to meet your vision requirements (monofocal, multifocal, and Toric).

CLE is very similar to cataract surgery – but you do not have to have cataracts to experience the benefits. In fact, you may even be spared the experience of developing cataracts in the future!

How Clear Lens Exchange Works

Our Doctors begin the CLE procedure by applying numbing eye drops to the eye being treated (only one eye is treated during the visit). You remain awake during the procedure; the eye drops numb the sensation of pain for most patients.

When the eye is ready, our doctors make a small incision on the cornea to gently break up and remove the natural lens and insert the new lens. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes and the incisions heal naturally without any stitches.