What is Clear Lens Extraction?

Clear lens extraction is an elective procedure that can be performed to improve the focus of the eye and reduce dependence on corrective lenses. It can be an option for two categories of patients:
   1) Patients who are not candidates for LASIK.
   2) Patients over the age of 50 years who wish to reduce their dependence on corrective lenses and improve the clarity and brightness of their vision.

The eye has two elements that focus light: the cornea and the lens. The cornea provides approximately 70% of the focusing power of the eye, and it is this structure that is reshaped by a laser in LASIK and PRK. The lens of the eye provides the other 30% of the focusing power of the eye. In clear lens extraction, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an appropriately powered man-made lens implant.

1- Clear lens extraction for patients who are not candidates for LASIK/PRK:
Certain patients may not be candidates for laser vision correction. Their corneas may be too thin, or they may be too nearsighted or farsighted, for example. In these individuals, rather than treating the cornea, the lens can be treated instead, by clear lens extraction. Multifocal lens implants may be an option for certain individuals, to further reduce dependence on glasses for reading.

2- Clear lens extraction for patients over the age of 50 years:
As the lens of the eye ages, it yellows and hardens. These normal changes affect the quality of vision as well as colour perception, even when the visual acuity is unaffected. In other words, the vision of a 25-year-old patient who sees 20/20 will be superior to the vision of a 50-year-old patient who sees 20/20, due to natural aging changes of the lens of the eye of the 50-year-old. Because the change is so gradual, patients tend to be unaware of the change in their vision. Patients over the age of 50 undergoing clear lens extraction benefit not only in reducing their dependence on corrective lenses, but also in the improved clarity and vividness of their vision. The improvement in vision is enhanced by the use of the Tecnis™ lens implant, a lens that is designed to improve vision by minimizing distortion of light as it comes to a focus at the back of the eye.

The clear lens extraction procedure is identical to cataract extraction, except that there is no cloudiness of the lens prompting surgery. Patients that undergo this procedure will never develop cataracts or require cataract surgery in future. A complete eye examination is performed prior to surgery, and the eyes are measured with specialized instruments in order to determine the proper lens implant power. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, with light sedation. Astigmatism is surgically corrected at the time of clear lens extraction as necessary, to optimize the vision without glasses. Eyedrops are used to numb the eye during surgery, and eyedrops will need to be used for 3 days before and 4 weeks after surgery. Patients may not rub the eyes after surgery. Regular eye examinations are required to ensure proper healing after the clear lens extraction is performed.