Laser eye surgery vs lens replacement: What’s the difference?
If you’re considering vision correction surgery, you may be wondering whether lens replacement or laser eye surgery is right for you. Both procedures can correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia (ageing eyes). But they work in different ways and have different benefits.
Which type of eye surgery is right for you?
That depends on a number of factors, including your specific vision problem, your overall health, and – to a degree – your personal preferences. Here’s a closer look at lens replacement and laser eye surgery to help you decide which might be the best option for you.
How laser eye surgery works
Laser eye surgery can correct most vision problems apart from cataracts. The procedure works by reshaping the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Reshaping the cornea changes the way the eye focuses light, correcting refractive errors.
The surgery itself is faster than lens replacement, with most patients returning to daily activities within 48 hours. It’s also a less invasive procedure than lens replacement, so there is a lower risk of side effects.
We offer popular and exclusive laser surgeries such as TransPRK, LASIK, Smartsight and laser blended vision, and more.
However, if you’re wanting to correct presbyopia, then laser blended vision is the procedure we’ll likely recommend. LASIK, SMILE and SmartSight will not correct the symptoms of ageing eyes.
How lens replacement surgery works
Lens replacement surgery involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one called an IOL. This type of surgery is usually for people with presbyopia who aren’t eligible for our laser-blended option, or would prefer a long-term solution.
We expect the results of the laser-blended procedure to last for 10 years (+) for most, whereas lens replacement is for life. Patients can get back to daily activities fairly quickly but the overall healing time is longer than most laser procedures.
Another benefit of lens replacement surgery is that it addresses multiple vision problems at once. Beyond presbyopia, it also treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. RLE (refractive lens exchange) can also tackle more severe refractive errors that lasers cannot. Furthermore, lens replacement will eliminate your need for cataract surgery in the future.
What are the pros and cons of lens replacement surgery?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) can restore your natural vision and make you feel freer than you do now wearing spectacles. However, you may feel unsure about proceeding with your surgery. We’re here to help.
What are the benefits of lens replacement surgery?
Let’s begin with all the effective, real-life results lens replacement can bring after treatment.
1. Expect a permanent improvement in your vision with results that are for life1
Lens replacement surgery (also known as RLE) tackles the root of your vision problem, which is the lens itself. By replacing the lens with an artificial IOL (Intraocular lens), it cannot break down with age.
2. No more glasses or visual aids
Say hello to spontaneous activities, feeling more active, outdoor sports with family and friends, and having one less thing to worry about. When you have lens replacement surgery, you don’t have to rely on glasses or contacts, so you can live more conveniently.
3. Treats multiple vision problems, including early cataracts
Lens replacement surgery addresses presbyopia, astigmatism, shortsightedness, and longsightedness, which no other vision correction surgery can treat. Lens replacement is also an effective procedure in preventing and addressing cataracts.
4. The recovery time for RLE is fast
Expect the procedure to last 30 minutes maximum and with a speedy recovery time too. You’ll likely return to normal daily activities within 48 hours, and your eyes might take about 2 weeks to settle2.
5. Lens replacement is a great solution if you are not eligible for other treatments
Lens replacement is a great alternative if you cannot have laser eye surgery. Corneal issues that could affect your eligibility for laser eye surgery are irrelevant to lens replacement.
What are the drawbacks of lens replacement surgery?
Every medical procedure does not come risk-free. Here are some potential downsides to getting treatment.
1. Lens replacement surgery costs more than other procedures
Lens replacement surgery is slightly more expensive than the other procedures we offer. However, consider the amount of money you’d save from buying varifocals, reading glasses or contact prescriptions, over a lifetime, and you’ll save thousands in the long run. Furthermore, you won’t need to pay for cataract surgery – premium or traditional – in the future.
2. Potential side effects
Lens replacement is a safe and reliable procedure. However, It is more invasive than other procedures, and patients experience common side effects such as halos or glare, dry eyes, temporarily fluctuating vision, and – extremely rarely – infection.
Luckily, the more benign side effects are a normal part of healing. We can prevent and address infection with antibiotics, and it shouldn’t affect your results long-term if we promptly take the correct actions.
3. In rare cases, some patients need an additional treatment
Sometimes patients need top-up procedures if they have severe shortsightedness, eye injuries, or lenses that don’t suit their lifestyle or needs. Despite these rare scenarios, we offer 10 years of re-treatments at no extra charge, should you need it.
Talk to our surgeon about which option is best for you
When it comes to choosing between lens replacement and laser eye surgery, there are pros and cons to each procedure. Don’t worry if you’re having trouble deciding. Your surgeon, after a thorough consultation, will make a recommendation.
Are you interested in having your eyesight improved? Call us today for a free assessment. We’ll be able to help identify what’s best suited just for you.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist
HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
