Clear Lens Exchange Surgery

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Clear Lens Exchange

Clear Lens Exchange (CLE)

Clear lens exchange surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to replace the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one. This procedure is typically done on patients who have developed cataracts or presbyopia, both of which can cause blurry vision and difficulty reading. The physician uses a clear, intra-ocular lens implant custom-made to correct a person’s glasses prescription, and places it inside the eye. Some of these lens implants may be designed with concentric rings that allow the patient to see near, far, and in-between, to reduce the need for reading glasses.

Clear Lens Exchange surgery gives you permanently improved vision, and its effects will last the rest of your life. A clear lens exchange, additionally, offers many benefits that you may not see in other vision correction surgeries, such as:
- Significantly lower risk of developing long-term dry eye syndrome
- Sharp, clear vision with improved depth and dimension
- Great night vision
- Suitable for those with thin corneas
- A quick procedure, with a quick recovery
- Built in UV protection
CLE surgery, also known as Clear lens exchange surgery, or Refractive Lens Exchange surgery, is a dramatically different kind of surgery as compared to LASIK. Both procedures have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Here are some of the key differences between CLE surgery and LASIK:
1. CLE surgery involves inserting a small, flexible lens intraocular lens implant (IOL) into the eye to improve vision. The IOL is made of a soft, biocompatible material that is tolerated well by the eye and does not cause inflammation or irritation. LASIK, on the other hand, involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, using a laser to improve vision.
2. CLE surgery is typically recommended for people with higher levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, or for people who are not good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other eye conditions. LASIK may be a better option for people with lower levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, or for people who are looking for a quick recovery time.
3. CLE surgery is a permanent procedure, meaning that once performed, a person will never go on to need cataract surgery later-on in life. With LASIK, a person will still develop cataracts in the years to come and will then need subsequent cataract surgery.
Overall, both CLE surgery and LASIK can be effective for correcting vision problems, but the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. It is important to talk to your doctor about your options and to ask any questions you may have before making a decision.
The best candidates for Clear Lens Exchange Surgery are over the age of 45, are very nearsighted or farsighted, and want to experience an improvement in their vision.
The ideal candidate has no history of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or iritis, and has not undergone any other eye surgery.

What to expect with Clear Lens Exchange surgery

Your doctor will do a series of measurements of your eye. This will be to evaluate and measure the anatomy of your eye, in order to determine the optimal optical power and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implant. These measurements may include a dilated fundus exam, Corneal Topography and Optical Biometry.
Note: your doctor may choose to space some of these measurements over multiple office visits.
CLE surgery is an extremely safe procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis. Most people experience a significant improvement in their vision the day after the surgery and do not experience any complications.
The nurse or medical assistant will give you a series of eyedrops that will make you progressively more blurry and light sensitive.
You are brought then to the procedure room, where your surgeon makes a small incision into the eye, removes the natural crystalline lens inside the eye, and inserts the new Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the eye, unfolds it, and then tucks the IOL into position. The entire procedure generally takes about 20 minutes for each eye.
You will go home the same day, and wear a clear protective eye shield over the eye.
Right after surgery - Your vision will be blurry and out-of-focus. Although you will get some clarity back in your vision within the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should not strain your eyes for several days.
You should also plan to take a nap once you arrive home, or find a way to relax without using your eyes, so no television or reading. You will get medicated eye drops that will help your eye heal, and if you have any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications (Ibuprofen) can be very helpful.
You can take a shower the day after your surgery, but you may need to use a special shield on your eye to protect it from products like soap and shampoo. You will need to avoid anything that can get in your eye like lotion, hairspray, and makeup.
After Clear Lens Exchange surgery, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to avoid activities that could cause injury to the eye, such as swimming or playing contact sports, until your doctor gives you the okay. You should also avoid rubbing or touching your eye, and avoid exposing your eye to dust or dirt.
Overall, the exact amount of time you will need to rest after clear lens exchange surgery will depend on your individual circumstances and how your eye is healing. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.