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The gift of clear vision

Custom lens replacement is very similar to cataract surgery but without the presence of a cataract. It is a safe and effective operation designed for people with myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), presbyopia (loss of reading ability and near vision), or an abnormal cornea (usually too thin for LASIK). 

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What is a custom lens replacement?

A custom lens replacement, also known as CLR, is where an eye surgeon replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant. It’s the same procedure as cataract surgery but is performed when the patient has not yet experienced cataracts in their eye. This will prevent cataracts from forming for life. It is a permanent procedure, and your prescription should stabilize for life. Custom lens replacement is custom to you because it involves correcting YOUR prescription with a laser and with the proper IOL.

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Is CLR a better alternative to LASIK?

CLR is often a better alternative to LASIK surgery for a number of reasons:

  • LASIK alters the cornea permanently. CLR does not.
  • LASIK will push you into reading glasses. CLR does not.
  • The FDA is considering a warning label for LASIK. CLR is as safe as cataract surgery.
  • LASIK does not prevent cataracts from forming later in life. CLR prevents cataracts.
  • LASIK often has regression or change in prescription. CLR does not result in change over time.
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Why choose Coastal Eye?

At Coastal Eye, we take pride in serving our community with high-quality vision correction surgery. Our boutique-style offices in Greenwich and New Canaan, CT, are designed to provide comfort and peace of mind before, during, and after your surgery. We understand that vision correction surgery can be a significant decision, and we strive to provide support throughout the entire process. From your consultation to your post-operative care, we ensure every patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their decision to undergo laser lens replacement. Contact us today to see if you’re a good fit for custom lens replacement!

What are the benefits of CLR?

Custom lens replacement is an attractive option for those with refractive errors in one or both eyes – especially for those who don’t meet the requirements for laser surgery. Here are some of the significant benefits of CLR surgery:

  • Patients usually experience immediately improved vision
  • Though it can’t be reversed, CLR surgery lasts a lifetime
  • Quick recovery team, usually no longer than one week
  • It’s a safe and effective surgery with a high success rate
  • Won’t alter corneal thickness, unlike LASIK
  • No need for future cataract surgery
  • No risk of losing its corrective effect
  • Safe alternative to LASIK eye surgery
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The CLR procedure

The laser custom lens replacement procedure is designed for a variety of patients, including those with near-sightedness, far-sightedness, loss of reading vision, and patients who are not candidates for LASIK, as mentioned above.

Laser lens replacement is a safe procedure – at least as safe as cataract surgery, if not safer since there are no cataracts yet. The procedure is designed for a variety of patients, including those with presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and abnormal corneas.

The procedure only takes about 15 minutes per eye and is done in our sophisticated, boutique, high-technology office surgical suite. You’ll be awake with some oral sedation if you choose, and you will not feel any pain. Both eyes can be done at the same time. Vision is often clear the same day after the dilation wears off.

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What are the types of lenses used?

When replacing your eye’s natural lens, your eye surgeon can replace it with three different types of lenses – a monofocal IOL, an accommodating IOL, and a multifocal IOL. A toric version of the monofocal or multifocal lens can be implanted if you have significant astigmatism. 

Monofocal

The monofocal IOL is the most basic option. It provides clear vision for single-distance patients, whether that’s near, far, or intermediate distance. 

Multifocal 

The multifocal IOL is a premium lens. It helps correct multiple distances at fixed points, including a combination of near, far, or intermediate distances.

Accommodating

The accommodating IOL is the most advanced option. It provides clear vision across all distances, including near, far, and intermediate distances. 

Your eye surgeon will help you determine which lens you would benefit the most from prior to the surgery. Either way, you can expect improved vision almost immediately after surgery.

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses

Dr. Shakir often recommends multifocal intraocular lenses for the best range of vision. Multifocal intraocular lenses are artificial lenses that can be implanted in the eye for the correction of presbyopia and other vision problems. Unlike traditional monofocal IOLs, which only correct vision at one distance, multifocal IOLs have multiple zones that allow for clear vision at different distances. 

Multifocal IOLs use different areas of the lens to focus light at different distances, similar to bifocal or multifocal glasses. This allows individuals to see clearly near and far without needing glasses or contact lenses. Several types of multifocal IOLs are available, including diffractive and refractive multifocal IOLs.

Diffractive multifocal IOLs use a series of concentric rings to diffract light and focus it at different distances, while refractive multifocal IOLs use different zones of the lens to refract light and focus it at different distances.

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FAQ

Are there any risks or complications of CLR?

How do I prepare for a custom lens replacement?

Is a laser used in custom lens replacement?

Can my astigmatism be fixed?

Are there any risks or complications of CLR?

One of the things we get asked often by patients that are considering custom lens replacement is whether or not there are any risks and complications. Since it’s a similar procedure to cataract surgery, the risks and complications aren’t much different, including:

  • Eye infection
  • Bleeding in the eye
  • Increased eye pressure
  • Retinal detachment
  • Dislocated intraocular lens
  • Glares and halos in the field of visionBlurred vision
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Glaucoma

The good news is CLR surgery comes with a high success rate, especially with the technology we have today. Complications are rare and can generally be treated with additional surgery or medication.

How do I prepare for a custom lens replacement?

Preparation for a custom lens replacement is rather simple. You’ll consult with your eye surgeon leading up to the surgery, where they’ll perform ultrasound tests to measure your eye's shape and size. They’ll usually direct you to stop taking certain medications and give you antibiotic eye drops to place in the eye 1-2 days prior to the surgery. In most cases, you’ll also have to fast (no drinks or food) for 12 hours leading up to the surgery. As for the surgery itself, it’s performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes 15-30 minutes per eye. You’ll be awake, but you’re given numbing anesthetic eye drops – which means you won’t feel anything. Depending on the patient, recovery time lasts a few days to a few weeks.

Is a laser used in custom lens replacement?

Yes, we almost always use a laser for CLR. The laser is essential for the best outcome, and it is customized to your eyes. This way, we can customize the treatment of your astigmatism and accurately implant your new IOL. The laser we used is femtosecond laser technology with augmented reality from LensAR.

Can my astigmatism be fixed?

Yes! Absolutely. In fact, we can fix your astigmatism either with laser or with a toric version of the implant IOL, or both if you have a lot of astigmatism. The toric upgrade for your lens implant is included for free if you need it. The laser treatment is customized to your eye and done simultaneously with your custom lens replacement. Most often, once your astigmatism is treated with CLR, it does not come back. With LASIK, sometimes your astigmatism can slowly creep back.

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Enhance your vision at Coastal Eye!

For those considering CLR surgery to improve their vision, it is crucial to work with a skilled surgeon with extensive experience who can provide the best possible care. At Coastal Eye, Dr. Shakir and his team specialize in CLR surgery and are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal vision and a better quality of life.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of CLR surgery or are considering it to improve your vision, contact Dr. Shakir and his team at Coastal Eye today. Dr. Shakir's qualified team will gladly answer any questions you have and help you determine if CLR surgery is the right choice for your individual needs.

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