Custom Lens Replacement (CLR - RLE) St. Paul

Name: Custom Lens Replacement
Brand: Chu Vision Institute
Rating: 4.9 (922 reviews)

If you’re in St. Paul and tired of juggling glasses for every activity, Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), might be the long-term solution you've been waiting for. This cutting-edge vision correction procedure is designed to help patients 40 and older reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses—especially for reading and close-up work.

patient handing over ipad to receptionist

A Life-Changing Vision Solution for Adults 40+

Presbyopia, or age-related near vision loss, happens to nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, CLR addresses both presbyopia and common refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness. At Chu Vision Institute near St. Paul, patients choose this procedure for clear vision at all distances—without the hassle of readers.

"I was legally blind and had to wear special-order contacts.

I have bad eye allergies and was miserable. I researched three practices, and Dr. Chu had the best reviews and experience by far. I went from legally blind to seeing 20/20. It was literally a miracle."

Amy Jo • CLR Patient & Previously Legally Blind

eye specialist holding thick eye lens to patient

Why St. Paul Patients Choose CLR at Chu Vision

Corrects both nearsightedness and farsightedness
Offers clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances
Prevents future cataracts, eliminating the need for cataract surgery
Improves night vision and overall clarity
Significantly reduces reliance on glasses or contact lenses
Fast recovery and long-lasting results

Next Steps See Our Affordable Financing and Payment Options

Learn More About Financing Options

St. Paul’s Trusted Team for Custom Lens Replacement

At Chu Vision Institute, just a short drive from St. Paul, Dr. Ralph Chu and his expert team have performed thousands of CLR procedures. We offer one of the widest ranges of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the Midwest and customize every treatment to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Chu Vision Institute has participated in over 100 clinical trials and has helped shape some of the most important advancements in vision correction today. You'll get personalized attention from your first visit through every follow-up, with a friendly team that makes you feel at home.

What Is Custom Lens Replacement (RLE)?

CLR is very similar to cataract surgery—but performed before cataracts develop. During the procedure, your eye’s natural lens is gently removed and replaced with a high-performance artificial lens that provides crisp, long-range vision.

It's ideal for:

Adults over 40 dealing with presbyopia
People with very high prescriptions (myopia or hyperopia)
Patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK or SMILE
Individuals with thin or irregular corneas

Dr. Chu will help you choose the perfect IOL—whether you want enhanced reading vision, night-driving clarity, or less dependence on any kind of eyewear.

See if you are a candidate. Find out which procedure is right for you.

Take the Self Test

What to Expect with Your CLR Procedure

Custom Lens Replacement is an outpatient surgery that typically takes about 15 minutes per eye. Here’s what your experience will look like:

Comfort First – Numbing eye drops and mild sedation help ensure a pain-free procedure.
Precision Technology – Using advanced tools, Dr. Chu creates a tiny incision and removes your natural lens.
Custom Lens Placement – A carefully selected IOL is inserted through the same opening, which seals naturally without stitches.
Rapid Recovery – Most patients see noticeable improvement within just a few days.

Some mild dryness, halos, or glare are normal during the healing phase—but these symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks.

A Clear Future Starts Now

Patients in St. Paul choose CLR at Chu Vision Institute not just to correct their vision—but to prevent future cataracts, improve daily confidence, and regain visual freedom.

Patient Reviews

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years. All annual appointments were done by caring professionals. This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to. They are so polite and caring. Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable. Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing! They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.

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CLR Surgery Common Questions Answered

Can I get CLR if I’ve had LASIK?

Yes, CLR is safe for patients who’ve had LASIK because it replaces the eye’s natural lens, not the cornea.

Will CLR fix astigmatism?

Yes. With advanced toric and multifocal IOLs, CLR can correct astigmatism while restoring sharp vision at multiple distances.

Is the procedure permanent?

Yes. The new lens is designed to be permanent and won’t develop cataracts over time, offering a lifelong solution.

Can CLR help if I have thin corneas?

Yes. Since CLR doesn't alter the cornea, it's a great option for patients with thin or irregular corneas who aren’t candidates for laser surgery.