For individuals over 40 who are considering refractive surgery to decrease dependence on glasses and contact lenses, clear lens replacement (CLR) is an exciting option. In essence, this procedure entails removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The procedure is essentially the same as a cataract operation with lens implant, however, in this case, the procedure is completed prior to cataract development for the refractive advantage.

CLR may be an excellent alternative to these procedures for people already wearing bifocals or for those who do not qualify for other refractive procedures due to extremes of refractive error. Because CLR requires removal of the natural lens of the eye, the patient is subsequently unable to focus at near (accommodate). This is why CLR is best suited for patients over 40 who are already wearing bifocals. One potential solution to this problem of accommodative loss is implantation of the Array multifocal IOL implant. This implant allows focusing at both near and far, allowing most patients to read small size print and drive a car without glasses, following implantation of the lens in both eyes. Those patients that tolerate monovision with contact lenses (or perhaps glasses), will likely tolerate and enjoy this visual solution following surgery with lens implants.