LASIK vs. Clear Lens Exchange

LASIK and Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) are two effective ways to reduce or eliminate your dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Even though hundreds of thousands of people have enhanced their vision with LASIK, many other people are not candidates for the procedure. CLE provides an alternative to LASIK with similar vision results.

Clear Lens Exchange Explained

CLE is the procedure used in cataract surgery. The natural lens of your eye is removed, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. The lens is permanent; you will not feel the lens and it does not have to be cleaned, mimicking the presence of your natural lens.

People who are good candidates for IOLs may have:

Presbyopia
Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
Factors disqualifying them from LASIK

LASIK reshapes the cornea of your eye to receive light correctly. Although LASIK is a popular choice for vision correction, you may not be a candidate for the procedure. If this is the case, you may still be able to achieve improved vision with CLE.

You may want to consider CLE instead of LASIK if:

You have thin corneas
You are over the age of 40
You do not prefer LASIK surgery

Intraocular lenses have proven effective in enhancing vision at all distances. If you are interested in IOLs, an experienced eye doctor can determine the specific IOL that will achieve the vision improvement you desire.

Results from LASIK and Clear Lens Exchange

If you are a candidate for LASIK, the procedure has several benefits you may want to consider, including:

Fast recovery. Up to a week may be needed for complete healing, and you should be able to drive after one to three days.
Results. LASIK often provides 20/40 vision or better and significantly reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Record of safety. The risks and complications associated with LASIK are increasingly mild, and the most severe complications are rare.

For people who are not candidates for LASIK, there are many other refractive procedures available, including IOLs. If you need one of these variant procedures, the benefits of IOLs include:

Prevent cataracts
Improve severe nearsightedness and farsightedness
Refractive surgery solution for thin corneas

IOLs are permanent, but can be replaced if your prescription changes.

To find out more about LASIK and Clear Lens Exchange, find an experienced eye surgeon in your area and schedule a consultation.