Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), Lens Replacement
If you’re considering custom lens replacement (CLR), you’re probably suffering from normal age-related vision loss and are seeking a way to improve your vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. Custom lens replacement surgery (also known as refractive lens exchange), is a procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) treating conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
What Is Custom Lens Replacement?
CLR is the same exact procedure as cataract surgery which is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the natural lenses in your eyes with artificial lenses.
CLR is typically performed on individuals who have significant refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and who are not candidates for LASIK or other refractive surgeries due to thin or irregular corneas.
With the CLR procedure, the natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects the patient’s refractive error. Like cataract surgery, CLR is a permanent solution to age-related vision loss.
How to Determine if You’re a Candidate for CLR?
The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for CLR is to call the Vision for Life office at 615-588-2020 and schedule a consultation. During your CLR consultation, Dr. Horn and the staff at Vision for Life will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your particular eye condition and have an in-depth discussion about your current symptoms, lifestyle, and vision goals.
Generally, the best candidates for Custom Lens Replacement are individuals over the age of 45 years old that are in a moderate stage of dysfunctional lens syndrome. Dysfunctional lens syndrome is the natural degeneration of vision due to changes in the eye’s crystalline lens. This degeneration results in presbyopia which is an age-related condition that can cause such symptoms as difficulty reading small print, seeing your phone, headaches, and blurred vision. Like other parts of your body, the natural lens in your eye begins degrading the day you are born and is a natural part of aging. For example, due to wear and tear over time, many choose to get joint replacement surgery (such as a hip or knee.) They want the highest quality of life possible and to remedy the issue prior to the loss of mobility. Patients choose CLR for the same reasons! Their natural lens has worn through time and they want to improve their quality of life prior to any more vision loss.
Dr. Horn will use this information to provide you with the most individualized vision plan possible. Vision for Life has several types of intraocular lenses (IOL) available for use and during your consultation, Dr. Horn will determine which lens best fits your individual visual needs and lifestyle.
What Happens During CLR Surgery?
During the surgery, Dr. Horn will replace your natural eye lenses with artificial intraocular lenses (IOL). These artificial lenses are made from a material similar to your eye’s natural lens and designed to feel like the real thing.
The process for custom lens replacement and refractive lens exchange is the same as cataract surgery, though CLR is designed for patients who don’t have cataracts. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than an hour. After the procedure, you will be able to resume your normal activities within a few days.
How Do I Know if CLR Is for Me?
Ideally, custom lens replacement surgery is best for individuals over 45, with an active lifestyle, and who are experiencing vision problems due to age. Individuals who cannot receive LASIK or other laser eye surgeries due to a thin cornea may also be ideal candidates.
Receive Custom Lens Replacement
Are you too old for LASIK? Are you too young for cataract surgery? Custom Lens Replacement may be the best solution to correct your eyesight permanently. Call Vision for Life at (615)588-2020 today to schedule an evaluation.
