As we age, the natural lens of the eye gradually loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects — a condition known as presbyopia. This process typically begins after age 40 and progressively leads many people to depend on reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. If you’re ready to reduce or eliminate that dependency, Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) offers a permanent, life-changing solution tailored for patients who want lasting visual freedom.
At Cornerstone Eye Associates, our board-certified ophthalmologists have helped thousands of patients throughout Rochester and Victor, NY achieve clearer vision through advanced lens technology and personalized surgical care. With decades of combined experience in refractive surgery and a dedicated on-site surgical center, our team has the expertise and credentials to guide you confidently from your first consultation through full recovery.
Clear/Refractive Lens Exchange
Clear Lens Exchange, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange, can restore distance and near vision for presbyopic patients and significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. Recovery is fast and visual results are excellent.
Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) has grown increasingly popular for patients over the age of 50 who are experiencing presbyopia or extreme farsightedness. CLE works by replacing your eye’s natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) designed to improve the clarity of your vision and reduce — or even eliminate — your dependence on glasses. This procedure delivers permanent vision improvement, and because it removes your natural lens entirely, you will never develop cataracts in the future.
Learn more about the lens options available at Cornerstone.
Lasting Benefits of Clear Lens Exchange
- No Stitches & Quick Recovery
- Permanent & Never Need Cataract Surgery
- Excellent Visual Results & Little to No Dependence on Glasses for Distance and Near Vision
Clear Lens Exchange As an Alternative to LASIK
While LASIK is an effective option for many patients, CLE is often the better choice for those over 50 or those who want a wider range of clear vision at all distances. Key considerations when comparing LASIK and CLE:
-
LASIK corrects the cornea and may be sufficient if you primarily need distance vision.
-
CLE replaces the lens and is better suited for patients with presbyopia, extreme farsightedness, or those approaching cataract age.
-
CLE eliminates any future risk of cataracts — LASIK does not.
Why Choose Cornerstone Eye Associates for Clear Lens Exchange?
Selecting the right surgical team is one of the most important decisions you can make for your vision. At Cornerstone Eye Associates, we combine board-certified expertise, advanced lens technology, and compassionate patient care to deliver results our patients trust. Here’s what sets us apart:
-
Board-certified ophthalmologists specializing in refractive and lens-based surgery
-
State-of-the-art, on-site surgical center for optimal safety and comfort
-
Comprehensive, individualized consultations to identify the best IOL for your lifestyle
-
A proven track record of excellent visual outcomes for patients across Rochester and Victor, NY
Ready to take the first step toward visual freedom? Contact Cornerstone Eye Associates today to schedule your Clear Lens Exchange consultation. Call us at (585) 328-0153 — our experienced team is here to help you see life more clearly.
No. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. In CLE, we remove that lens and implant a new artificial lens in its place. Since the lens has been removed, you will never experience the cloudiness that a cataract creates and instead enjoy clear, improved vision!
The procedure itself is the same for cataract surgery and Clear Lens Exchange. The difference is in the main objective of the procedure. In cataract surgery, it is to remove the cloudy lens that is the cataract. CLE removes that same lens before it becomes a cataract; instead, the goal is to improve vision at one or multiple distances to reduce dependence on glasses.
The main goal of CLE is to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lens. However, whether you need glasses for some or very little of your day will depend on the type of lens you choose for your procedure. A single focused lens, or monofocal lens, will improve vision at one focal point (usually distance vision), so you will still need glasses for near and intermediate vision. However, a multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lens will give you the greatest independence from glasses with improved vision at all distances. Typically, patients who choose this type of lens may need reading glasses only for fine print or low-light conditions.
Completed at our state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgery center, patients who undergo CLE report little to no discomfort during the procedure. The surgery is performed under light IV sedation and topical numbing drops. Mild irritation is common for the first 24 hours, however, we provide eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable. You may also use Tylenol or ibuprofen during the first day or two after the procedure for further comfort.
