Refractive/Clear Lens Exchange

For many people, reading glasses are a necessary part of everyday life so they can do up-close work like using a computer or reading a book. This age-related condition (presbyopia) can be extremely inconvenient when you need a pair of glasses on hand everywhere you go for basic tasks. Others use multifocal contact lenses to correct presbyopia, which can be equally inconvenient.

What if there was a way not to place a corrective lens over your eyes but instead replace your natural lenses for long lasting vision correction? That’s exactly what a clear lens exchange procedure does!

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Lens replacement surgery, also known as clear lens exchange (CLE) or refractive lens exchange (RLE), replaces the eyes’ natural lenses with an artificial implant to restore youthful vision. This procedure can correct refractive errors for those who aren’t eligible for LASIK and is also used to prevent cataracts.

The natural lens is removed during the procedure and replaced with an advanced technology intraocular lens (IOL). Most people no longer need glasses or reading glasses after RLE or only need them for specific tasks.

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About Refractive/Clear Lens Exchange

Lens replacement with an IOL effectively treats multiple refractive errors and eye conditions. CLE can correct hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). It is often a good alternative to laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK and PRK, for patients with high refractive errors and 50 years or older.

Ideal candidates for clear lens exchange are typically over 50 and have high refractive errors, presbyopia, or early cataracts. It may not be suitable for patients with certain health or eye conditions. The best way to determine your candidacy for any vision correction procedure is to consult with a qualified refractive eye surgeon like Dr. Wu.

Lens replacement surgery typically takes just 20-30 minutes per eye. You’ll be given numbing eye drops and, if needed, a sedative to help you relax. Patients are under twilight sedation during the procedure but won’t know much of what’s going on and shouldn’t feel any discomfort.

Once your eyes are numb, Dr. Jennifer Wu will use a laser to make small incisions and help remove your natural lenses. Using laser assistance technology rather than a blade allows for better precision. She will then insert the IOL through these tiny incisions. You’ll be able to go home shortly after the procedure with the help of a friend or family member.

Immediately after refractive lens exchange, it’s normal to have blurry vision and minor eye irritation. Some other visual effects, such as double vision, halos, and dry eyes, are also normal at first. These effects should subside within a few weeks.

You can return to work and most activities within two days after CLE. However, it may be a couple of weeks before your vision is completely clear. Dr. Wu will give you instructions for recovery and may instruct you to avoid swimming, contact sports, and eye makeup for the first week.

Clear lens replacement permanently replaces the lenses in your eyes. Unlike your natural lenses, the IOLs won’t age and deteriorate. Our lenses gradually become less flexible over time, preventing our eyes from properly bending light to focus on up-close objects. This age-related farsightedness is called presbyopia. Replacing an aging lens with a multifocal IOL corrects presbyopia, as well as hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism.

You also won’t need to worry about developing cataracts after lens replacement surgery. You’ll be able to enjoy permanent vision correction with a clear lens exchange. Since it prevents aging concerns that negatively impact vision, lens replacement often has longer-lasting results than LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures.

Our Advanced Technology for RLE

Part of Dr. Wu’s approach is using the most cutting-edge technology and methods for vision correction surgeries, such as lens replacement surgery. Leveraging her state-of-the-art technology and experience treating cornea conditions, she takes careful measurements and can frequently extend these procedures to individuals whom other eye surgeons have declined to treat. Dr. Wu frequently helps complex patients who have had prior refractives surgery (LASIK or PRK) achieve better vision outcomes.

If you’ve been told you are not a suitable candidate for vision correction treatments, we invite you to consult Dr. Wu. She firmly believes that an optimal solution exists for each patient and is dedicated to helping you find yours.

Take the Next Step

Hello, Clear Vision!

Ready to learn more about Clear Lens Exchange and how you can achieve clearer vision with Dr. Wu? Fill out the form below or call us at (949) 208-9090 to schedule an eye exam and consultation at One EyeCare. Dr. Jennifer Wu is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most advanced treatment options. She proudly serves Orange County in Costa Mesa, CA.

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