Clear Lens Exchange in Charlotte, NC
Lens replacement surgery offers permanent vision correction for patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK or want to prevent future cataracts.
I’d like to…
Understanding CLE/RLE
Clear lens exchange/refractive lens exchange (CLE/RLE) replaces your eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is the exact same procedure as cataract surgery, which is one of the most successful surgeries in medicine, performed before cataracts develop.
The artificial lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia all at once. Since the natural lens is fully removed, you will never develop cataracts in the treated eyes.
Risk Profile
CLE/RLE is ideal for patients between 40 and 65 who are tired of reading glasses, have prescriptions too strong for LASIK, or want to eliminate the inevitable development of cataracts. Early cataract patients who don’t yet meet insurance criteria for surgery are also strong candidates.
Patients with certain corneal conditions, severe dry eye, or specific health concerns may need additional evaluation before CLE/RLE. Our fellowship-trained surgeons perform a comprehensive pre-operative assessment to confirm candidacy and select the ideal IOL for your vision goals.
CLE/RLE Evaluation
A CLE/RLE consultation includes advanced optical biometry, corneal topography, and aberrometry measurements to precisely calculate the ideal IOL power for your eyes. These measurements allow our surgeons to achieve the most accurate vision correction possible.
We evaluate your lifestyle, vision goals, and both eyes together to recommend the best IOL type. Understanding how you use your vision, whether you prioritize distance, reading, or both, guides our IOL selection and helps set accurate expectations for your results.
Types We Treat
Types We Treat CLE/RLE addresses a wide range of refractive conditions including high myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, often simultaneously. Patients with extreme prescriptions outside the LASIK range or those who simply want to address the full spectrum of vision difficulties are excellent candidates.
Our IOL options allow us to personalize treatment whether you want crisp distance vision with occasional reading glasses, or near-complete independence from prescription eyeglasses at all distances. We discuss every option in detail so you can choose the right lens for your unique lifestyle.
Your Treatment Options
Our refractive lens options include basic monofocal, advanced multifocal, and toric IOLs. Your surgeon will help you select the ideal implant based on your vision goals, lifestyle, and unique eye measurements.
Monofocal IOLs
Provides crisp, excellent distance vision. Most patients achieve sharp far vision while using reading glasses as needed for close work and near tasks.
Multifocal IOLs
Advanced technology with multiple focal points for clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near ranges, giving most patients significant independence from glasses.
Accommodating IOLs
These IOLs move and flex with your eye muscles for a more natural range of vision, offering smooth transitions and excellent distance and intermediate vision.
Toric IOLs
Corrects both your prescription and astigmatism simultaneously, providing crisp, clear vision without the blurriness caused by an irregular corneal shape.
Meet Your Charlotte CLE/RLE Specialists
Experienced refractive eye surgeons pairing precision lens technology with personalized care to help you achieve your best possible vision.
Jonathan S. Minkowski, MD
Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Specialist
Gerald B. Rosen, MD
Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Specialist
Serving Cotswold, Mallard Creek & Pineville
Hunter S. Stolldorf, MD
Cataract, LASIK & Refractive Surgery Specialist
Serving Cotswold, Mallard Creek & Mooresville
Royce R. Syracuse, MD, MBA
Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Cataract Surgeon
Serving Huntersville & Mooresville
Xueyang (Sarah) Wang, MD
Fellowship-Trained Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Serving Cotswold & Mallard Creek
Advanced Lens Replacement Surgery Close to Home
Our refractive lens team is ready to serve you at any of these convenient locations:
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Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“Very professional and friendly.”
“Dr. Cameron was friendly yet quite professional. His exam seemed thorough and his recommendations sound. He answered questions I had and took his time - he was not rushed to get to…”
“All staff from checking in at the front desk, throughout my appointment were very helpful. Dr.Minkowski did a great job of explaining options/the process of cataract surgery with me, especially given my…”
“I have been coming to Dr. Minkowski for over 2 years and he is an awesome doctor. He makes you feel welcomed and worry free. He explains everything in detail and will…”
“Friendly, professional, Garcia is instructive”
“Dr. Beaupre was very courteous, informative and knowledgeable.”
“It is a good practice with excellent staff, including the nurses and reception team.”
“Horizon is the best, providing excellent care.”
“Dr. Belle was very caring, thorough and informative.”
“They were quick, professional, friendly, and Dr Hoffman was great. He offered me options and gave advice I appreciate.”
“I had dry eye problems, which created pain, drops were given, which resolved and fixed my problem. I am very pleased with my resulits”
“Very knowledgeable and explained what is happening with my eyes and what the various drugs do.”
“Excellent care. Outstanding physicians and support staff.”
“Dr. Ryder is an excellent retina specialist. He is a very caring provider and takes the time to explain conditions as well as treatment plans. I’ve always felt well taken care of…”
“Older but very clean establishment. Very friendly and professional staff. Excellent care by Dr. Rouse!”
“Cannot say enough good things about this team and Dr. Hoffman. I had a medical eye emergency and they were able to see me same day. The team was so helpful, took…”
“Dr Bell is very very good and hate to see her moved to the Huntersville offices next year.”
“Great guy! Thorough, professional, efficient and kind!”
“Dr. Marc James is a great eye doctor, he's very knowledgeable and shares his best intrest for his patients. He has been my eye doctor for many years.”
“Highly recommend top of the line”
Clear Lens Resources
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog, Clear Lens & Eye Exams
Medically reviewed by
- Posted in Blog, Clear Lens & LASIK