- You’ll be in experienced hands because Dr. Chu has performed thousands of CLR procedures.
- Access to a wide range of lens options for your CLR procedure.
- The FDA has selected Chu Vision to participate in over 100 clinical trials.
- You’ll get unrushed time with Dr. Chu before, during, and at your follow-up
- Dr. Chu is the go-to expert in for local and national TV interviews.
- You’ll feel calm and encouraged because of our team’s cheerful bedside manner.
ABOUT CUSTOM LENS REPLACEMENT (RLE)
World-renowned ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr. Ralph Chu and his remarkable team of eye doctors are delighted to provide Custom Lens Replacement (CLR/RLE) for patients in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs. CLR surgery is highly similar to cataract surgery in that the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a medical-grade artificial intraocular lens, or IOL, to correct or dramatically reduce a certain type of refractive error and allow for sharp vision at varying ranges. A multifocal IOL can improve near, intermediate, and far-distance vision. CLR can be an excellent treatment option for most patients who live with extremely high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) and who might not be ideal candidates for laser vision correction or other surgical procedures. Another exciting bonus to this refractive surgery is that your new lens will never develop a cataract like your natural lens can, eliminating the need for future cataract surgery. If you are tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses and want to see clearly without them, a custom lens replacement might be right for you. Call or visit Chu Vision Institute to schedule your initial consultation and learn if CLR is the best choice for you.
CANDIDATES FOR CUSTOM LENS REPLACEMENT-REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE
Generally, Custom Lens Replacement, also known as refractive lens exchange, is most beneficial for patients with severe levels of myopia or hyperopia that aren’t able to be addressed using laser vision correction procedures. A CLR procedure may also be performed for people whose corneas are insufficiently thick for LASIK surgery or other popular types of laser eye surgery. Most good candidates for CLR are over 40 years old, because CLR can help correct presbyopia (which is why CLR is sometimes called PRELEX, or Presbyopia Lens Exchange). In the days after your first consultation at Chu Vision Institute to see if you’re a good candidate for CLR, Dr. Chu will identify the optimal kind of artificial intraocular lens for your unique vision needs. Your IOLs will then be individually custom-made.
Chu Vision Institute performs custom lens replacement as an outpatient surgery that generally takes around 15 minutes. It is the same procedure as cataract surgery, but the only difference is it is performed before a patient develops cataracts. Before we begin your CLR surgical procedure, our team will apply stingless eye drops to desensitize the eyes and add a mild sedative to ensure your comfort. Dr. Chu will then make a tiny opening in the corneal tissue and use laser or ultrasound technology to safely disintegrate the natural lens and suction it away. Next, he will place the customized lens in the eye through the existing, almost microscopic opening, which will self-seal without the need for stitches within a week.
RESULTS AFTER CLR
After the custom lens replacement is complete and the numbing eye drops start to wear off, you may experience a bit of mild discomfort. This should only last about 48 hours and can be addressed with over-the-counter analgesics. Most patients who get CLR begin to experience their new improved vision in as little as 1 – 4 days and can greatly decrease or do away with their use of glasses. Over the course of the initial 4 – 12 weeks, you may experience a few instances of hazy vision, glare, and dry eyes off and on. These are considered standard aspects of the adjustment process and shouldn’t be any cause to worry. We will arrange a series of necessary follow-up visits with your eye doctor during the first few weeks after your procedure to check on your recovery progress.
LONG-TERM CLEAR VISION
Custom Lens Replacement at Chu Vision Institute is an advanced elective procedure that would truly improve your eyesight and reduce your need for corrective lenses or reading glasses, as well as your overall outlook on life. For people who may not be great candidates for LASIK laser eye surgery, SMILE, or PRK, CLR has the potential to reduce or erase the need for corrective lenses or contact lenses and the likelihood of future cataracts or the need for cataract surgery. Reach out to or visit our Minneapolis, MN office to set up your evaluation.