Also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) can be performed as an alternative to Laser Eye Surgery.
The basis of CLE is the same as that of Cataract Surgery, except it is performed to correct refractive errors as opposed to removing cataracts. Like ICL Surgery, CLE can be used to correct virtually all prescriptions.
Unlike ICL Surgery, CLE involves removing the eye’s natural crystalline lens. A synthetic lens is implanted into the eye to replace the natural lens and correct the way light is directed into the eye. The new artificial lens is placed inside the lens capsule once the natural lens has been removed.
While CLE can be effective at correcting specific prescriptions, it removes the eye’s natural focusing ability. This means that CLE is usually used in presbyopia patients who have little short-distance focusing power, while ICL Surgery is often preferred for younger patients (under 65).
CLE may be the only option for patients with hyperopia outside the limit of Laser Eye Surgery when there is not enough space in the eye to accommodate ICLs.
Benefits and Risks of CLE
CLE is widely considered a permanent solution to refractive errors as the lenses used are designed to last a lifetime. However, the procedure cannot prevent the natural changes that affect your eyes over time. This means you may require further correction for presbyopia in the future.
CLE is more invasive than Laser Eye Surgery and it is important to be aware of the risks.
Serious complications such as bleeding or infections are very rare; however, your surgeon should discuss all the potential risks and complications with you before your treatment. Other risks can include retinal detachment or swelling in the back of the eye.
CLE is often an effective vision correction procedure; however, all aspects of the treatment should be discussed in detail and weighted against all other treatment options. As stated in The Royal College of Ophthalmology Guidelines, all alternative interventions need to be discussed that could meet the vision correction needs with less risk, including from other practitioners.