Fellowship-trained Bay Area eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, is renowned for his surgical skills by doctors and patients alike: He’s called the “Doctor’s Doctor” because many other surgeons trust only him when they need eye surgery.
Patients get the same benefits: decades of diverse expertise, high-level training, a commitment to patient education, and superior results from each surgery.
We foster patient education during consultations and pre-surgery appointments and here in our blog. This month’s topic covers the differences between clear lens replacement (CLR) and implantable collamer lenses (ICL).
Understanding the Difference Between CLR and ICL
CLR and ICL both correct vision long-term. Both involve placing a device in your eye, which corrects your eyesight and offers long-term results. But the two approaches are quite different.
What to Know About Clear Lens Replacement (CLR)
CLR is essentially cataract surgery but without treating cataracts. It involves taking your natural eye lens out of your eye and placing an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL restores your vision and reduces (possibly eliminates) your need for vision correction devices (glasses, contacts) post-surgery.
We often recommend CLR for patients with high hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or both. It can be a good alternative to LASIK. CLR is usually ideal for patients over age 40 who are starting to experience presbyopia (the need for reading glasses due to age-related eye changes).
With CLR, you can solve all these refractive errors simultaneously using a multifocal IOL.
What to Know About Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
The ICL is a phakic IOL: It fits over your natural lens but doesn’t replace it. While ICLs are designed to be permanent, they’re removable, if necessary, in the future.
ICLs are made of Collamer, a natural material that is biocompatible with your eye. Your eye accepts the implant as if it’s your natural tissue.
ICLs are best for myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Like CLR, an ICL helps reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or glasses. ICLs are known for significantly improving night vision.
This lens type is often a good alternative to LASIK for younger adults.
Schedule Your Vision Surgery Consultation
Choosing between CLR and ICL depends on age, eye health, and vision correction goals. The only way to know if you are a candidate for either procedure is to come in for a consultation with Mark Mandel, MD. Contact us today to schedule your consultation in one of our convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Call our office at 877-210-2020 ext. 3 or book an appointment online using our convenient form.