Preparing for CLE Procedure
Before your CLE procedure, our team invites you to a complimentary consultation. Following your consultation, we will then schedule you for a comprehensive examination to ensure you are an ideal candidate for the CLE procedure. This consultation and comprehensive examination will also provide opportunities for you to ask questions, share your vision goals, and learn more about your vision correction options.
Did you know that your tear film, the liquid layer on the surface of your eye, is responsible for over 80% of your vision clarity once the natural lens is removed? To ensure the best visual outcome after surgery, our team will prepare your tear film by recommending over-the-counter artificial tears, such as Optase Intense Drops, and an Optase Mask, which can be conveniently purchased in our offices. Other options may include Refresh Tears, Thera Tears, and Systane Lubricate Eye Drops. It is crucial to use artificial tears four times a day, and the Optase mask once a day, prior to surgery. We will also recommend continued use of both the artificial tears and the Optase Mask after surgery to maximize your vision potential.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
On the day of your CLE procedure, you can expect the following steps:
1. Conscious sedation is used with an IV to keep you relaxed while your surgeon cares for your eyes.
2. Anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye, ensuring your comfort throughout the surgery.
3. A tiny incision is made in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, with a laser.
4. The natural lens is carefully removed using specialized tools.
5. The clear artificial lens (IOL) is then inserted into the eye through the same incision.
6. The IOL is positioned properly to restore clear vision at various distances.
7. The incision is usually self-sealing and does not require stitches.
8. Most patients report little to no pain during or after surgery and can return to work within the next day or two.
At Boling Vision Center, CLE is performed on one eye at a time. If both eyes are scheduled for CLE surgery, we may complete both eyes on the same day, depending on the individual circumstances of each patient.
Post-Surgery Care
After the CLE surgery, the new artificial lens will allow light to focus properly onto the retina, resulting in improved vision.
After the procedure, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home. Recovery is typically quick, and many guests notice improved vision within days. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure optimal results.
For post-surgery care, we recommend a 3-in-1 drop regimen that includes a steroid, an anti-inflammatory, and an antibiotic in one convenient bottle. This simplifies the treatment process and reduces costs. Additionally, it is recommended you continue to use artificial tears, such as Optase Intense Drops, four times a day for one month after surgery.
Affording Clear Lens Exchange
At Boling Vision Center, we strive to make CLE as affordable as possible. We accept various payment options, including cash, check, cashier/bank check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover cards, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). We also offer flexible financing options for your convenience, with several interest-free options as well as extended financing terms to make CLE more affordable than ever before. Additionally, be sure to ask about our cash pay discount options to maximize your savings! Nothing should stand between you and your freedom from glasses and contact lenses, and we are excited to help you achieve your vision goals!
CLE FAQs
Investing in CLE can lead to long-term savings over the ongoing costs of glasses and contact lenses. The cost of the procedure varies based on your individual needs and customized treatment plan. We offer flexible financing options and cash pay discounts to make this life-changing procedure as accessible as possible for our guests.
A consultation appointment is the best way to determine if CLE is right for you. Generally, good candidates for CLE are:
– Age: Typically, 40 years and older (or younger, on a case-by-case basis)
– Vision Needs: Experiencing presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
– Lifestyle: Seeking to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses and prevent future cataract development
No, you will not be able to feel the artificial lens once it is in place. Experience the comfort of clear vision without the irritation of traditional contacts or the bulkiness of glasses.
The artificial lens is not typically visible to the naked eye . In the right lighting conditions, some people may notice a slight refraction or “twinkle” off the lens in the pupil. For the most part, only your eye doctor will be able to detect the lens during an eye exam, allowing you to enjoy natural-looking eyes with clearer vision!
Safety is our top priority. CLE uses advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) and modern surgical techniques to ensure high success rates and optimal results. During your consultation, we will review any potential risks and side effects, providing you with peace of mind about this proven procedure.
CLE involves replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens, which means the natural lens will not develop cataracts in the future. This preventative measure ensures that you get to enjoy a largely glasses and contact lens free lifestyle for as long as possible.
Deciding to pursue CLE is exciting and important, so it should be discussed with a trusted eye care professional. If you are 40+ years old (some younger aged exceptions could apply) and considering this procedure, our trusted team of vision experts at Boling Vision Center can help evaluate your eye health, determine if you are a suitable candidate, and explain the potential benefits and risks based on your personal vision goals.
CLE is elective cataract surgery, making it a proactive choice for those seeking to improve their vision now and prevent future cataract development in the future. Remember, with CLE, you don’t have to wait for cataracts to form—you can enjoy the benefits of clear vision today!
Find Out If Clear Lens Exchange Surgery Is Right For You!
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation online today or call 800-283-8393. Not ready for a consultation? Take our free online Self-Test as a starting point!
