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.
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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
“I transferred from CEENTA to Dr Ryder at Horizon Eye Care-Cotswold. Today was my first appointment. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had absolutely no wait time. The office has…”
“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…”
“Dr James was very communicative and thorough in his exam and left us feeling well prepared for new glasses.”
“Efficient, friendly!”
“I appreciated that Dr. Tomasko took as much time as I needed to explain my options & answer all my questions.”
“I was very impressed with Dr. Minkowski. He was very cordial and professional and obviously knowledgeable. I have very complicated eye issues and he had me do all the tests and did…”
“I've been Dr. James' patient for about 8 or 9 years. He's thorough, genuinely interested in eye health, collaborative with care options and very efficient. I'm very satisfied!”
“Really appreciated the details/explanation about the examination and results.”
“I was completely satisfied with my visit. Everything was explained clearly and questions were asked. I love the communication process. TY”
“Great dialogue in my health and felt he was listening to my feedback. Thorough exam but really efficient.”
“Check-in staff who arrives at 7 to set up for. Day, check-out male staff, Fiona, specialist who conducts comparative studies with machine are exemplary. Dr. Minkowski is highly professional and efficient.”
“Overall great experience!”
“Took less than hour. First time meeting Dr James. Accurate and knowledgeable. Asked questions..”
“Dr Tomasko made the whole blepharoplasty a piece of cake from start to finish. I felt cared for by confident, experienced hands.”
“Excellent provider care! Dr. Garcia is knowledgeable patient and careful. I trust her with the health of my eyes and highly recommend her.”
“Attention to details about my eyes with comparison fr last years visit to this year. Professional in every way. His Assistant sat in the room transcribing Dr Ryder’s comments. It took me…”
“Had a good visit.”
“Excellent experience! The surgery center staff made things easy, the procedure stayed on schedule, and Dr.Kaluzny’s bedside manner was fantastic. Results are excellent. Dr. Kaluzny, not his nurse called me the evening…”
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- Posted in Blog, Clear Lens & LASIK