Renowned CLR surgery specialist Mark Mandel, MD, often addresses the benefits and considerations of this procedure with his patients. This blog discusses whether it’s worth it and what factors you should consider.
Understanding Clear Lens Replacement
CLR replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), just as cataract surgery does. But the surgeries happen for different reasons.
Cataract surgery aims to replace a cloudy eye lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) that restores eyesight at one or more distances.
With CLR, the eye lens isn’t cloudy, at least not yet, but replacing it can correct severe refractive errors like farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. CLR is often a good option for people who don’t qualify for LASIK surgery.
However, if you choose a multifocal IOL, CLR can effectively correct your vision problems, including presbyopia.
Benefits of CLR
Most patients who opt for CLR feel it’s well worth it because of the following advantages.
- Long-term vision correction: By replacing the natural lens, CLR can provide a more permanent solution to vision problems. This can reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
- Cataract prevention: Since the natural lens is replaced, you don’t have to worry about developing cataracts later (something that happens to most people over time).
- Wide range of vision issues: CLR can address multiple vision problems simultaneously, offering comprehensive vision improvement. For example, if you’re over 40 and have presbyopia (age-related focus issues), LASIK can’t address that issue.
Considerations Before Choosing CLR
While CLR offers many benefits, it’s important to weigh these against potential considerations:
- Cost: CLR cost can vary depending on the lens type chosen and other factors. Most patients find options that fit their budget.
- Surgery risks: All surgeries carry risks. Although complications are rare, CLR could potentially lead to endophthalmitis (eye infection), retinal detachment, lens dislocation, cystoid macular edema, or visual disturbances. Choosing Mark Mandel, MD, a surgeon with extensive experience, can help you feel confident about surgery and your results.
- Recovery time: The recovery period may be longer than that for LASIK, and some patients experience fluctuating vision during the healing process.
Every patient may have a unique outlook on these considerations, so it’s important to think about what the benefits and risks mean for your life.
Is CLR Worth It for You?
Determining if CLR is worth it depends on your specific vision needs and lifestyle. If you’re looking for long-lasting vision improvement and would love to live free from glasses and contacts, the answer might be “yes!”
Schedule Your CLR Consultation in the Bay Area
Contact us today to schedule your CLR consultation in one of our convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Call us now at 877-210-2020 ext. 3 or book an appointment online using our convenient form.