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.