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Refractive Lens Exchange Mesa, AZ

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange, also called Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), is a procedure for patients over 40 that replaces the eye’s natural lens with a custom-designed intraocular lens to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Unlike cataract surgery, which is typically done after vision has been affected by a cloudy lens, this approach is proactive—ideal for patients who want to correct presbyopia, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism before cataracts develop. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, Refractive Lens Exchange is performed with a focus on precision and long-term results, helping patients see clearly at a range of distances and eliminating the future need for cataract surgery.

Carrot LASIK & Eye offers Refractive Lens Exchange surgery for patients in Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and the surrounding AZ areas.

Why Choose Carrot for Refractive Lens Exchange in Mesa, Phoenix, & Tempe, AZ?

Recognized Excellence in Eye Care
Carrot LASIK & Eye Center has been named the #1 Top Eye Care Center in Mesa, AZ by ScoreDoc, reflecting our commitment to exceptional patient care and satisfaction.

Expert Surgeons with Military Precision
Dr. Matthew Hammond and Dr. Michael Herion, both military-trained ophthalmologists, bring decades of experience and have personally undergone vision correction procedures themselves, offering firsthand insight and empathy.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our Advanced Ocular Analysis (AOA) is state of the art and provides a detailed assessment of your eye health, enabling us to determine the most effective treatment plan for optimal visual outcomes. ​

State-of-the-Art Surgical Equipment
We’ve invested significantly in cutting-edge technology to enhance surgical precision and patient safety, ensuring superior results and faster recovery times.

Experience the Carrot difference—where advanced technology meets compassionate care. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward clearer vision.​

Book Your Consultation Online
Call Us For Appointment 480-561-6000

Who is a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

A good candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (Custom Lens Replacement) is typically over the age of 40 and looking to correct presbyopia or age-related vision errors.  These errors may not be well suited for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. This option is often ideal for individuals who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism and want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It’s also a strong choice for patients experiencing early signs of cataract development or dysfunctional lens syndrome. Candidates should be in good general health with eyes that are free from conditions such as glaucoma or other serious diseases.

At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we evaluate each patient carefully to determine whether Refractive Lens Exchange is the most effective and long-lasting solution for their vision needs.

Questions?

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Making  CLR/RLE Affordable

Clear Pricing. Easy Financing.

In most cases, insurance does not cover RLE when it’s performed for vision correction purposes rather than medical necessity. However, the team at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center will explain your benefits and review financing options to help you understand the cost and make informed decisions.

With Carrot’s all-inclusive pricing, there are no hidden fees—just one clear cost that covers everything, including your post-op drops. Plus, flexible financing options make Refractive Lens Exchange more affordable than ever.

RLE/CLR

See the Benefits

  •  Experience sharper vision without the need for progressive lenses or contacts—or with much less reliance on them.
  •  Pays for itself by eliminating decades of expensive bifocals.
  • Able to treat most of your vision needs in one procedure.
  • Patients often describe colors to be brighter and more vivid.
  • Completely eliminates the need for cataract surgery later in life.
Experienced CLR Sugeons in Mesa, AZ

Our Carrot surgeons trained in the military and have performed many CLR procedures!

The US Military declared unaided vision essential and started the Warfighters Refractive Surgery Program (WRESP) in 2005. Since that time nearly 1 million sailors, soldiers, pilots and marines have undergone vision correction surgery. Carrot surgeons Drs. Hammond and Herion trained in the military and performed many of those procedures!

Overcome presbyopia (over 40 vision) with RLE performed by our experienced surgeons.

What should I expect when I have Refractive Lens Exchange surgery?

Your CLR/RLE Procedure

When you arrive at Carrot LASIK & Eye Center for your Refractive Lens Replacement, you can feel confident knowing you’re being cared for by an experienced team. The procedure itself is quick and comfortable, taking less than 15 minutes and you’ll be able to head home the same day—just make sure someone is available to drive you. You’ll be given detailed instructions, including wearing a protective shield while sleeping the first night and using prescription eye drops to support the healing process. It’s normal to experience some temporary dryness, mild irritation, or blurred vision right after surgery, but most patients begin noticing visual improvements within just a few days.

CLR Recovery

What is the recovery for Refractive Lens Exchange?

Don’t worry, we’ll guide you every step of the way. After the CLR/RLE procedure we provide sunglasses and ask that you take a nap to allow the eyes to rest. Shields are provided for sleep for the first few days.

At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we require every patient to return the next day to be examined.

Most people return to work a day or two after surgery (depending on the job) with the main limitation being to avoid rubbing your eyes and exposing them to dusty and dirty conditions. Avoid from heavy lifting, intense exercise, or swimming, which should be paused for about a week. You can shower and bathe normally and can resume swimming 2 weeks after surgery. Follow-up visits are performed at one week, at one, three and six months after surgery, and every year thereafter. Your vision will gradually sharpen over the following weeks, with full results typically stabilizing within a couple of months.

“I had eye surgery under Dr. Herion’s care. The procedure was quick, efficient and painless. The day after I could see 20/15 and had no pain or discomfort through the healing process. The results were better than I expected.

The receptionists and Doctor assistants are all very kind and helpful. They smile as they welcome you in and clarify exactly what to expect on your visit. Not to mention I never waited more than 5 minutes to see Dr. Herion.

Dr. Herion is by far one of the most personable and knowledgeable doctors I have ever met. His clear and concise direction and compassionate attitude reassured me that I was in good hands and the results speak for themselves.”

– Donny D

The Broadest Selection of Custom Lens Options for Your Vision Goal

We offer the broadest selection of IOL lenses for our Mesa, AZ patients.

Custom Lens Options for You

Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs)

Light Adjustable Lenses offer flexibility that continues even after surgery. These lenses are made from a special material that can be reshaped using UV light in the weeks following the procedure. This allows for fine-tuning your vision once your eyes have healed, offering a level of customization not available with other IOLs. Though frequently used in cataract procedures, LALs are also a valuable option for Refractive Lens Exchange patients who want precise control over their visual outcome.

Toric IOLs

If you have astigmatism, a toric lens can help correct the distorted vision that comes from an irregular corneal shape. These lenses are specifically engineered to counteract astigmatism, giving you clearer vision at a distance without needing glasses or contacts. They’re a reliable choice for patients looking to address both refractive error and astigmatism through lens replacement.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision across a range of distances—near, intermediate, and far. Rather than relying on reading glasses for up-close tasks or bifocals for everyday use, patients with multifocal IOLs often enjoy greater freedom in daily life. These lenses are especially helpful for treating presbyopia, a common condition that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects as we age.

Monovision Correction

For patients who have had success with monovision contact lenses, this method can be replicated through Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as Custom Lens Replacement. One eye is set for distance vision while the other is optimized for near tasks. Many patients find this approach helps them reduce the need for reading glasses while still seeing well overall.

At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, we guide you through every step of the lens selection process, making sure your choice supports your vision now and in the future. With a wide array of advanced IOLs available, RLE can offer a long-term solution tailored specifically to you.

Is there an age range for Refractive Lens Exchange surgery?

Refractive Lens Replacement (RLE), also called Clear Lens Extraction or Custom Lens Replacement (CLR), is typically recommended for patients over the age of 40 who are experiencing presbyopia or other vision changes not well suited for LASIK. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, our experienced refractive surgeons determine candidacy based on age, eye health, and visual goals, ensuring the procedure is safe and effective for your stage of life.

Can Refractive Lens Exchange eliminate my need for reading glasses?

Yes, many patients choose Refractive Lens Replacement to reduce or eliminate their dependence on reading glasses. By using advanced intraocular lens implants—such as multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses—Carrot LASIK & Eye Center offers solutions that improve near, intermediate, and distance vision, supporting better visual perception throughout everyday life.

Does Refractive Lens Exchange hurt?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE – CLR) does not hurt. It is a quick and comfortable outpatient eye surgery. At Carrot LASIK & Eye Center, numbing drops are used to ensure you won’t feel pain during the procedure, and most patients report only mild pressure or light sensitivity afterward. Any discomfort is typically short-lived and very manageable during recovery.

Will the results of Refractive Lens Exchange last forever?

Yes. The lens placed during RLE is permanent and does not degrade over time. Because it replaces the eye’s natural lens, this procedure not only corrects vision but also prevents future cataracts. Carrot LASIK & Eye Center uses high-quality intraocular lenses to ensure lasting improvements in visual acuity and overall quality of life.

Can Refractive Lens Exchange help if I wear progressive lenses?

If you rely on progressive lens glasses to manage both near and distance vision, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE/CLR) can be a life-changing alternative. By replacing the natural lens with a high-performance lens implant, Carrot LASIK & Eye Center can often eliminate the need for an eyeglass prescription altogether, giving you greater visual freedom in your everyday life.