The two main options for vision correction surgery are laser eye surgery and lens replacement surgery.
Both procedures have transformed millions of lives by providing freedom from glasses and contact lenses, but they are different in process, benefits, and suitability.
This blog post compares these treatments in a laser eye surgery vs. lens replacement face-off.
Which is right for you? Let’s find out.
Understanding Laser Eye Surgery
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery, an umbrella term often used to describe treatments like LASIK, LASEK and lenticule extraction surgery (SILK, SMILE), involves reshaping the cornea—the transparent front part of the eye—using a laser.
Laser eye surgery can treat refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Through blended vision it can also correct presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).
Laser vision correction is less invasive than ever, with options like LASIK and lenticule extraction. While some patients experience discomfort and irritation for up to 24 hours post-surgery, many experience blurry vision for a few hours and minimal pain afterwards.
The Procedure
This is a short overview of what happens during the LASIK procedure. Our LASIK page has more details if you’d like a more in-depth look.
- Preparation – Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops.
- Cleaning – Your face and around your eyes are cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection.
- Corneal Flap Creation—A thin flap is created on the cornea using a femtosecond laser (you don’t have a microkeratome—a bladed machine to cut the flap).
- Reshaping – An excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error.
- Flap Repositioning – The corneal flap is repositioned as a natural bandage.
Benefits of LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
- Quick Recovery – Most patients experience significant vision improvement within 24 hours.
- Minimal Discomfort – The procedure is generally painless, with only minor discomfort during recovery.
- Long-Lasting Results – Many patients enjoy excellent vision for years, even decades – no glasses, no contact lenses – just 20/20 vision!
Potential Side Effects
- Dry Eyes—Some patients may experience dry eyes, which usually resolves within a few months. At Focus Clinics, we provide all our laser patients with eye drops to prevent dry eyes after the surgery.
- Night Vision Issues – Halos or glare around lights may occur, especially at night.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection – In some cases, additional surgery may be needed, though in less than 1% of cases.
At Focus, your good vision is vital to us, so our laser eye surgery procedure for short-sight has a 100% 20/20 success rate.
We also offer a 10-year guarantee. If you experience any of these side effects or your vision starts to change in the 10 years following your surgery, we’ll fix it.
Understanding Lens Replacement Surgery
What Is Lens Replacement Surgery?
Lens replacement surgery, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE), involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The RLE procedure is similar to cataract surgery and is often recommended for individuals with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) or high refractive errors.
In simple terms, we remove your natural lens and replace it with one that allows you to see clearly. This lens surgery is like having a contact lens installed permanently. Here’s how we do it:
The Procedure
- Preparation – Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops.
- Lens Removal – A small incision is made, and the natural lens is broken up and removed.
- IOL Insertion – An artificial lens is inserted through the same incision.
If you’d like an in-depth look at the procedure, our refractive surgery page has even more detail.
Benefits of Lens Replacement Surgery
- Versatility – Corrects a wide range of refractive errors and presbyopia.
- There is no risk of Cataracts. Since the natural lens is removed, you won’t develop cataracts in the future.
- Stable Vision – The artificial lens provides stable, long-term vision correction.
Potential Side Effects
- Surgical Risks – As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or retinal detachment.
- Adjustment Period – It may take time for your eyes to adjust to the new lenses.
- Glare and Halos – Some patients report glare and halos around lights post-surgery.
Making the Right Decision
Choosing between laser eye surgery and lens replacement surgery depends on various factors, including age, lifestyle, and specific vision needs.
For example, if you can’t have laser eye surgery because of your eye condition, you might still be eligible for lens replacement surgery. However, if you have a choice of procedures, here are some key considerations to help you decide:
Age and Vision Stability
- Younger Adults – If you are under 40 and have stable vision, laser eye surgery is often preferred.
- Older Adults – If you are over 40, experiencing presbyopia (reading glasses), or considering cataract prevention, lens replacement surgery may be more suitable.
Lifestyle and Activities
- Active Lifestyle—If you have an active lifestyle or are involved in contact sports, laser eye surgery offers a quick recovery and minimal disruption to daily activities. If you participate in a sport with a risk of eye injury, e.g. martial arts, then PRK or lenticule extraction may be preferred.
- Long-Term Vision Stability—If you want long-term vision stability without the future risk of cataracts, lens replacement surgery could be the best option.
Vision Goals
- Immediate Results – Laser eye surgery is ideal if you’d like rapid vision improvement with minimal downtime.
- Less risk—Laser eye surgery has less risk than intraocular surgery, such as RLE.
- Solving different eye conditions—Both laser vision correction and lens surgery can help with most types of distance vision correction, e.g., short-sight together with astigmatism.
- Comprehensive Correction—Lens replacement surgery is the better choice for extensive vision correction needs and to prevent the future development of cataracts.
Conclusion
Both laser eye surgery and lens replacement surgery offer life-changing benefits, but the right choice depends on your needs and circumstances.
Ready to take the first step to clearer vision?
Book a consultation with one of our highly qualified ophthalmologists, and we’ll help you make the right decision to ensure the best possible outcome for your vision!