Pros and Cons of CLR

Clear lens replacement (CLR) is a popular vision correction procedure that involves replacing your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one. Fellowship-trained Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, is widely recognized for his expertise in performing CLR. In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of CLR to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of CLR

There’s lots to love about CLR, including:

Improved vision

One of the most significant benefits of CLR is improved vision. Many patients experience a dramatic reduction in their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Mark Mandel, MD, typically performs CLR in patients with hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, particularly in severe cases.

Long-lasting results

CLR offers long-lasting results. Unlike other vision correction procedures that may require touch-ups over time, the artificial lens used in CLR does not change shape or degrade, ensuring stable vision for many years.

Prevention of cataracts

Another advantage of CLR is the prevention of cataracts. Since the procedure involves replacing the natural lens with an artificial one, the risk of developing cataracts in the future is eliminated. This means you can avoid potential cataract surgery down the line.

Quick recovery

The recovery time for CLR is relatively short, and vision improvement often occurs quickly. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days with minimal discomfort.

Cons of CLR

Potential cons of CLR are:

Surgical Risks

All surgeries carry potential risks. With CLR, some of those include infection, inflammation, and, in very rare cases, serious complications like retinal detachment.

Cost

CLR is an investment in your present and future vision. Like any investment, raising the money might require some financial creativity. The price can vary depending on the kind of IOL you choose. Most patients over 40 choose multifocal IOLs because they can simultaneously correct presbyopia and other vision problems.

Adjustment period

Some patients may experience an adjustment period as their eyes adapt to the new lenses. This typically resolves over time. However, until your vision settles, you could experience glare or halos around lights.

Not for everyone

CLR is not suitable for everyone. For example, sometimes, younger people find that LASIK  better suits their needs. Mark Mandel, MD, performs comprehensive evaluations to help determine if you’re a good candidate.

Schedule Your CLR Consultation

Are you considering CLR to restore your vision? You can trust your surgery to Mark Mandel, MD. Widely recognized as an elite CLR surgeon, he’s called the “Doctor’s Doctor” because many of his colleagues come to him for eye surgery.

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.