Clear Lens Extraction

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Refractive Lensectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct refractive vision errors by replacing the eye’s natural, clear lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

West Boca Eye center | Clear Lens Extraction

This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or presbyopia who are seeking an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

In CLE, the eye’s natural lens, which is clear but has an imperfect focusing power, is removed and replaced with an IOL that provides the correct focus. This approach is similar to cataract surgery; however, in CLE, the removed lens is not clouded by cataracts. The primary goal of CLE is to reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective eyewear by addressing refractive errors directly.

The CLE procedure is often compared to cataract surgery because both involve removing and replacing the eye’s natural lens with an IOL. However, the key distinction lies in the condition of the lens. In cataract surgery, the natural lens is clouded by cataracts and must be removed to restore clear vision. In contrast, CLE is performed on a clear, unclouded lens solely to enhance visual acuity and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Who Can Benefit from Clear Lens Extraction?

CLE is an effective solution for individuals who:

Have High Refractive Errors: Those with significant myopia or hyperopia that cannot be adequately corrected with laser vision correction procedures like LASIK.
Are Not Ideal Candidates for LASIK: Individuals with thin corneas, severe dry eyes, or other corneal abnormalities that make laser procedures unsuitable.
Experience Presbyopia: People over 40 who have difficulty focusing on close objects and wish to reduce their reliance on reading glasses.
Seek to Prevent Future Cataract Development: Since the natural lens is replaced, the possibility of developing cataracts in the future is eliminated.

The Clear Lens Extraction Procedure

The CLE procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the eye, ensuring patient comfort throughout the surgery.
Incision: A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea to access the natural lens.
Lens Removal: The natural lens is carefully removed using advanced techniques similar to those employed in cataract surgery.
IOL Implantation: A foldable intraocular lens, selected based on the patient’s visual needs, is inserted through the same incision and positioned securely within the lens capsule.
Recovery: The incision is self-sealing and typically does not require stitches. Patients can usually return home shortly after the procedure.

Types of Intraocular Lenses

Various IOL options are available to cater to different visual requirements:

Monofocal Lenses: Designed to provide clear vision at a single distance (usually distance vision), with patients often requiring reading glasses for near tasks.
Multifocal Lenses: Engineered to offer clear vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for both distance and reading glasses.
Toric Lenses: Specifically designed to correct astigmatism, providing sharper vision for patients with this condition.

The choice of IOL is determined through a comprehensive eye examination and a detailed discussion of the patient’s lifestyle and visual goals.

Clear Lens Extraction | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Specializing in modern cataract surgery.

Located 1/2 miles North of West Boca Medical Center on Glades Road, directly behind Macy's Furniture Gallery.

West Boca Eye Center
9325 Glades Road, Suite 201.
Boca Raton, FL 33434

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