Clear Lens Exchange / Presbyopia Treatment

Dallas, Texas

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), a type of cataract surgery, is also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), or Refractive Lens Replacement (RLR). RLE is often a suitable alternative to conventional LASIK, Wavefront or CustomVue LASIK and other forms of LASIK for patients with presbyopia. RLE is also an appropriate solution for monovision.

In presbyopia, the eye’s natural crystalline lens has grown stiff with age and impedes the eye’s focusing abilities.

In monovision, one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision, so the patient enjoys a blended vision and soon learns which eye to use to see best at a distance or close up.

The Clear Lens Exchange Procedure

During the RLE procedure, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with a plastic or silicone intraocular lens (IOL). The replacement IOL is properly designed to correct most hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia, nearsightedness) but cannot successfully correct astigmatism, a condition of blurry vision caused by an irregular shape of the cornea. For individuals with astigmatism, other LASIK procedures, such as conventional, Custom wavefront, All-Laser or PRK may also be needed.

Most IOLs cannot change focus (accommodate) from distance viewing to near viewing, so the eye is set for either near vision or far vision. The newer IOL designs, however, are more accommodating. Multifocal IOLs, such as Crystalens, ReSTOR® and ReZoom, can help with both near and distance vision.

RLE is an excellent solution for early-stage cataract treatment, particularly in individuals with presbyopia.

RLE Advantages

• Years of successful treatment history
• The cornea remains virtually untouched
• Excellent for individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes and other minor cornea issues
• Patients with a high refractive error respond well to RLE
• The IOL can be exchanged as the eye’s prescription changes
• RLE can be used in combination with other LASIK procedures
• No potential for future cataract development, since the natural lens is removed

RLE Disadvantages

• More invasive than other cornea-based refractive surgeries
• Patients with myopia have an elevated risk of vitreous or retina problems
• All accommodation is lost (not a big problem for fully presbyopic patients)

RLE is quite different from the LASIK procedure. A LASIK refractive surgeon with far-reaching cataract treatment experience and extensive experience in cornea-based refractive surgeries will ensure the best outcome.

In Dallas, Texas, Dr. Harvey Carter is a leading LASIK surgeon with the training, education, experience and skill necessary to perform Clear Lens Exchange and improve your vision with a low risk of complications.  To learn more or schedule your free vision consultation, please contact The Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas.