Clear lens exchange, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE), is essentially cataract surgery without the cataract. The crystalline lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL). The new IOL will be of a power to correct refractive error. Cataract surgery is performed when the crystalline lens has become cloudy. CLE is performed for purely refractive purposes. Refractive Lens Exchange (CLE) Details