Clear Lens Exchange

This procedure uses the same highly advanced technique practiced during routine cataract surgery. This accurate process involves the surgical removal of the clear, natural lens of the eye. It is then replaced with an artificial lens implant which is specifically calculated per individual basis for the necessary amount of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). The advancements in modern cataract surgery have actually made this surgical process a reality and a solution that can correct vision for many. This surgery is usually reserved for those patients who do not fit the criteria for LASIK or other vision correction surgeries. These are patients with higher degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness that are not safely treated with laser vision correction or those patients with cataract changes.

One of the greatest advantages with this surgery is our ability to use the latest high tech lens implants (Tecnis Multifocal, Crystalens HD, ReSTOR intraocular lenses) providing vision at all distances. This exciting advancement in lens technology allows patients to see both distance and near, even for those patients over the age of forty who might otherwise need bifocals or reading glasses. One added benefit: these patients will never need cataract surgery since the natural lens that turns cloudy with a cataract has already been removed!

For individuals over 40 who are considering refractive surgery to decrease dependence on glasses and contact lenses, clear lens extraction (CLE) is an excellent option worthy of serious consideration. Like cataract surgery, this procedure involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, a multifocal IOL implant, or an accommodating IOL. Please consult directly with Dr. Michael Ahdoot to determine what IOL is right for you and your unique vision.

Other types of refractive surgery, such as LASIK laser vision correction, accomplish good vision by changing the shape of your cornea. Unlike these other refractive procedures that change the shape of the cornea, CLE corrects vision by removing the natural lens in the eye and replacing it with a new artificial lens of a different focusing power. This is exactly the same process used during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is currently one of the top procedures reimbursed by Medicare and millions of cataracts are removed every year.