Reduce or Eliminate the Need for Readers and Bifocals

Refractive lens exchange (RLE), sometimes known as custom lens replacement (CLR) is a custom vision correction procedure for people aged 45 or older who have become dependent on reading glasses or bifocals. As we age, the eye’s natural focusing lens begins to harden, reducing the flexibility needed to adjust vision from distance to near objects (such as reading up close). This change often results in blurred fine print, difficulty shifting focus from far to near, and eyestrain. Adapted from cataract surgery—the world’s most commonly performed procedure—RLE involves replacing the eye’s dysfunctional or cloudy lens with an artificial lens that is designed to last a lifetime. For patients seeking freedom from reading glasses or bifocals, RLE offers the opportunity to permanently restore a more natural, youthful vision range.

Rod’s Refractive Lens Exchange Journey at Clear Vision Center

There is a Bonus with RLE

Having lens replacement also means that you will not need cataract surgery in the future, as the lens is removed as part of the procedure. Waiting for cataracts to “ripen” is an outdated concept, as advanced procedural techniques no longer require cataracts to fully mature before removal. In fact, waiting too long to have cataracts to be removed actually increases the complication rate and overall time of recovery. By having RLE prior to full development of cataracts, you’ll never have to worry about the gradual vision decline associated with cataracts, as you’re preventing cataracts from the beginning!

Common Questions About RLE

The Custom Lens Replacement (CLR) procedure is quick, and most often completely painless. Each procedure takes 10-15 minutes per eye, which can be done on the same day or a few weeks apart. During the procedure your surgeon will carefully aspirate the natural lens through a tiny opening, and replace it with a permanent, artificial lens with advanced optical features. There are multiple advanced technology lens options which serve various vision correction needs. You and your surgeon will discuss your vision goals and decide which options will be the best for you with your procedure. After your procedure you may notice some minor side effects, such dry eyes, seeing rings around lights, and fluctuating vision. Most CLR patients are able to return to normal activities within a week, with near-normal visual functioning within 24-48 hours. The symptoms and recovery time will vary depending on the lens you and your surgeon ultimately choose.

Custom Lens Replacement (CLR) involves gentle removal of the dysfunctional lens followed by placement of a permanent, advanced technology lens that restores the visual function lost from dysfunctional lens syndrome or presbyopia. The end result is correction of myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (loss of near vision with age). Following CLR, most patients do not need glasses or contacts for common activities like driving, watching television, using a smartphone, reading restaurant menus, and working at the computer screen. The specific advanced technology lens used will vary by patient, and will be determined by your surgeon at the time of consultation.

Learn More About Lens Options

No, LASIK is a laser procedure that reshapes the front of the eye to correct your vision. But after age 45, LASIK cannot always fully address dysfunctional lens syndrome (presbyopia) without a blended or monovision correction (one distance, one near). If you’ve been told you aren’t a candidate for LASIK due to age, thin corneas, large hyperopic correction (farsightedness), presbyopia, or early cataracts, then CLR might be the best option for you to correct your vision. In addition, unlike LASIK, having CLR means you’ll never need cataract surgery in the future, as removing the natural lens prevents cataracts from forming.

Yes, in some cases patients under 45 who are not a candidate for LASIK, SMILE, PRK or the EVO ICL may consider CLR if they have a high hyperopic prescriptions, early presbyopia, and are struggling with tolerating their glasses or contact lenses. A careful discussion with your surgeon regarding the risks and benefits is important, which you will have at your consultation.

While it may be dysfunctional, if your natural lens hasn’t fully developed a visually-significant cataract, Custom Lens Replacement (CLR) will not be covered by medical or vision insurance. In order to take advantage of the benefits of CLR for the years prior to developing a significant cataract, the procedure will be an out-of-pocket investment. However, like other vision-correction procedures, you may use FSA or HSA accounts to cover the expense, or take advantage of our same-as-cash financing through Alphaeon credit, which can spread out the costs of the procedure over two years while you get to enjoy the benefits. In fact, the out-of-pocket costs for CLR are almost identical to a modern cataract surgery procedure with advanced technology IOL, which you’ll never actually need anymore once you’ve had CLR! As with our other vision-correcting procedures, CLR comes in an all-inclusive package which includes all pre-operative measurements, on-site surgery in our modern procedure suite, an advanced technology lens, all post-operative related care, your eye drop medications, and any potential refractive enhancements or adjustments needed. This all can be quite affordable and offers a permanent solution that you own compared to the ongoing expenses of bifocal or progressive lenses or contacts. Contact us for additional information!

Older male Refractive Lens Exchange patient

Top Reasons to have RLE at Clear Vision Center

Truly customized vision-correction plan, tailored to your individual traits and goals
Can correct both near and far vision, including astigmatism
Experienced lens surgeon with over 10,000 vision correction procedures performed
Comfortable and convenient on-site procedure
Painless procedure with fast recovery: return to work in 2 days
Available with advanced single-focus, multifocus or adjustable lenses
Prevents the need for cataract surgery in the future
Cost savings by ending your need for recurring eyewear expenses
Improved peripheral vision compared to high-power glasses
Includes on-site refractive enhancements, if indicated

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