Eye surgeries & procedures
Clear Lens Extraction (Refractive Lens Exchange)
A vision-correction option for patients over 50 who are not good LASIK candidates — replaces the eye's natural lens with a premium intraocular lens for a full range of vision.
What is CLEAR?
Clear Lens Extraction — CLEAR for short, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange — is a vision-correction option designed especially for people who are over 50 and are not good candidates for LASIK. Unlike LASIK and other refractive techniques that correct vision by changing the shape of the cornea, CLEAR corrects your vision by changing the focusing power of the eye's lens.
To do this, we replace your natural lens with a new intraocular lens (IOL), using the same proven lens technology and surgical technique as cataract surgery — performed before a cataract fully develops. Because the natural lens is removed, you will never develop a cataract in that eye.
Full range of vision
Both cataract surgery and Clear Lens Extraction offer the option of presbyopia-correcting lenses — trifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs — that restore distance, intermediate, and near vision. These are the only refractive procedures that allow a full range of vision. Toric versions also correct astigmatism.
While CLEAR is not right for everyone, it may be the option you are looking for. To find out if you are a candidate, contact us about scheduling an evaluation.
This information is educational and does not replace a consultation. Individual results vary; your doctor will determine the treatment best suited to your eyes.