Clear Lens Exchange in Las Vegas

Vision Correction

Sick of those readers?
You’re not stuck with them.

Clear Lens Exchange replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium implant — correcting distance, intermediate, and reading vision in a single procedure. It’s the same technique Dr. Malitz uses for cataract surgery, performed before cataracts develop. Ten minutes, no needles, no stitches, and you’ll never develop cataracts.

Schedule a Consultation Call 702-362-3900
~10 min
Per eye
All distances
Near, intermediate & far
No cataracts
Ever — lens is permanent
Is This Right for You?

CLEX is for patients who want freedom from glasses

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea. That works for younger patients, but after 45, the lens inside the eye stiffens — causing presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). Laser correction can’t fix that. CLEX replaces the lens entirely.

👓 Over 45 with presbyopia

You’re tired of readers, progressives, or switching between distance and reading glasses. CLEX with a premium multifocal or extended-depth lens can give you clear vision at all distances — without glasses.

🚫 Not a LASIK candidate

Thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eyes may disqualify you from LASIK or PRK. CLEX bypasses the cornea entirely — your prescription is corrected by the new lens, not by reshaping the eye’s surface.

🔮 Early lens changes

Your eye doctor mentioned “early” or “trace” cataracts that aren’t yet affecting your vision enough for insurance to cover surgery. CLEX addresses the lens now — correcting your vision and preventing cataracts from ever becoming a problem.

The Procedure

Same technique as cataract surgery — just earlier

If you’ve heard of cataract surgery, you already understand CLEX. The only difference is timing: cataract patients wait until the lens clouds. CLEX patients choose to replace it while it’s still clear.

1 Numbing drops only

No needles, no general anesthesia. Your eye is numbed with drops. You’re awake and comfortable the entire time. This is Dr. Malitz’s No Needle, No Stitch technique — the same approach he uses for every cataract procedure.

2 Lens removal & replacement

Through a tiny self-sealing incision (about 2mm), the natural lens is gently broken up with ultrasound and removed. A premium intraocular lens (IOL) is folded, inserted, and unfolds into position. The incision seals on its own — no stitches needed.

3 Choose your lens

The IOL you choose determines your visual outcome. PanOptix, Envy, and Odyssey each offer a different balance of distance, intermediate, and near vision. Dr. Malitz will recommend the lens that matches your lifestyle. Compare lens options →

4 Recovery

Most patients see clearly the next day. Full recovery follows the same timeline as cataract surgery — drops for a few weeks, back to normal activities within days. Second eye is typically done 1–2 weeks later. See recovery timeline →

How It Compares

CLEX vs. LASIK vs. cataract surgery

Three procedures, three different situations. Here’s how they stack up.

LASIK / PRK Clear Lens Exchange Cataract Surgery
What it corrects Distance vision Distance + near + intermediate Distance + near + intermediate
How it works Reshapes the cornea Replaces the lens Replaces the lens
Fixes presbyopia (reading vision) No Yes Yes
Prevents future cataracts No Yes N/A (cataracts removed)
Ideal age range 20–50 45–65 60+
Insurance coverage Self-pay Self-pay Medicare / insurance
Procedure time ~5 min/eye ~10 min/eye ~10 min/eye

The honest tradeoff

CLEX is a more involved procedure than LASIK — it’s lens replacement surgery, not a surface laser. But it solves problems LASIK can’t: presbyopia, early lens changes, and high prescriptions that disqualify you from corneal procedures. For the right patient, it’s the most comprehensive single-procedure vision correction available. Dr. Malitz will help you determine if that patient is you.

Cost & Financing

CLEX is an elective, self-pay procedure

Because the lens is being replaced before cataracts form, insurance considers CLEX elective. The full cost — surgeon, facility, and premium IOL — is out of pocket.

💰 What’s included

Your CLEX fee covers the surgeon, the procedure at Red Rock Surgery Center, the premium IOL of your choice, and all follow-up visits. We provide a written, all-inclusive estimate at your consultation — no surprise fees after the fact.

📋 Financing & tax savings

CareCredit financing is available. HSA and FSA accounts can be used — and save you 20–30% in tax savings. CLEX is also tax-deductible as a medical expense. See full pricing and financing details →

Already have early cataracts?

If Dr. Malitz finds that your lens changes are advanced enough to qualify as a cataract, the base surgery may be covered by insurance — and you’d pay only the premium IOL upgrade fee. This determination is made during your evaluation. Many patients who come in expecting to pay for CLEX find out insurance covers the base procedure. Learn more about cataract surgery coverage →

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about Clear Lens Exchange

What’s the difference between CLEX and cataract surgery?
The procedure is identical — same technique, same IOLs, same recovery. The only difference is why it’s done. Cataract surgery is performed when the natural lens has clouded enough to impair vision (medically necessary, insurance-covered). CLEX is performed electively, before cataracts develop, to correct refractive error and presbyopia (self-pay). If early cataracts are found during your evaluation, the procedure may be reclassified as cataract surgery and become partially insurance-covered.
Will I still need glasses after CLEX?
With a premium multifocal or extended-depth IOL, most patients achieve functional vision at all distances without glasses. Some patients still prefer readers for very small print or prolonged near work. Dr. Malitz will set realistic expectations during your consultation based on the lens chosen and your specific eye anatomy.
Is CLEX safe?
CLEX uses the same technique as cataract surgery, which is the most commonly performed surgery in the world — with an extremely high safety and satisfaction rate. That said, it is an intraocular procedure (inside the eye), which carries more inherent risk than a surface procedure like LASIK. Dr. Malitz will discuss the specific risks and benefits as they apply to your situation.
I’m 48 and my doctor says I have “early cataracts.” Should I do CLEX or wait for cataract surgery?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on how much your vision is affected. If the early cataracts are already impacting your daily life, you may qualify for insurance-covered cataract surgery now — saving you the self-pay CLEX cost. If the changes are minimal and not yet affecting vision, CLEX lets you correct your prescription and presbyopia today rather than waiting years for cataracts to worsen. Dr. Malitz will examine your lens, test your vision, and give you a straightforward recommendation.
Can I get CLEX if I’ve already had LASIK?
Yes. Previous LASIK or PRK doesn’t disqualify you from CLEX. However, prior corneal surgery does affect the lens power calculations, so Dr. Malitz uses specialized formulas and measurements to ensure accurate IOL selection. This is one of the reasons surgeon experience matters for CLEX in post-LASIK patients.
How much does CLEX cost?
CLEX is a self-pay procedure. The all-inclusive fee covers the surgeon, facility (Red Rock Surgery Center), premium IOL, and follow-up care. We provide a written estimate at your consultation. CareCredit financing, HSA, and FSA are all accepted. See our pricing page for ranges →

Glasses after 45 aren’t inevitable.

If you’re tired of progressives, readers, or switching between glasses, CLEX may be the answer you haven’t been told about. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Malitz to find out if you’re a candidate.

Schedule Your Consultation → Call 702-362-3900

Or call us directly: 702-362-3900  ·  W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas

Clear Lens Exchange is an elective procedure not covered by insurance. Candidacy, lens selection, and visual outcomes vary by patient. If cataracts are diagnosed during evaluation, the procedure may be reclassified as cataract surgery and become partially insurance-covered. All estimates are confirmed at consultation. © 2026 Southwest Eye Institute. All rights reserved.
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