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Laser Eye Surgery vs Lens Replacement

If you are looking into eye surgery treatment, it is likely you have come across a huge number of potential treatments during your research. You may be left feeling confused about what separates all of these treatment options. For example, what is the difference between Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Replacement?

Well, fear not – we’re here to tell you.

Lens replacement surgery is a relatively common eye surgery treatment. In fact, over 300,000 people in Britain alone have the procedure every year. It is most commonly used as a way to treat cataracts.

Just a Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts is a generally age-related eye condition which usually affects people over 40 (though they can occur in younger people). The condition is characterised by a clouding in the lens of the eye which can cause vision to become hazy, oversensitive, dull, or in some other way impaired.

Cataract surgery was developed as a solution to the condition, which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. This treatment involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens which is replaced with an artificial one. Traditionally, this artificial lens was simply clear perspex, but as many older people also have other vision impairments, a whole range of products in different forms and levels of focusing power can now be utilised.

These new lenses added the ability to correct common refractive errors, such as myopia and hyperopia, in addition to cataracts. As such, Lens Replacement quickly became an option for people looking for a way to avoid glasses or contact lenses.

Developments in Lens Replacement

As with most surgeries, lens replacement surgery has advanced significantly over recent years. Today, several types of artificial lenses are available – including multifocal lenses which work at two distances. All of these lenses have been developed to move with the muscles in the eye to give the highest degree of comfort.

Each of these artificial lenses comes with its own specific advantages and disadvantages, depending on the requirements of the patient. It is important to note, however, that as all artificial lenses work on the basis of implanting a foreign object into the eye, they also come with their fair share of risks.

Some risks associated with Lens Replacement include:

  • Blurry vision, glare, and halos
  • Infection or bleeding inside the eye
  • Increased eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
  • Dislocated lens
  • Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
  • Retinal detachment

For many years, IOLs offered an effective alternative to patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses but were not suitable for Laser Eye Surgery treatment. Lens replacement has therefore long had its place in the world of vision correction. For years, it has given those with higher prescriptions, complications such as dry eyes, and/or presbyopia, an alternative to a lifetime of glasses or contact lenses.

Even today, lens replacement remains the best way to treat patients with cataracts. However, for those looking for a way to simply treat a refractive error, there is likely a better option – even if they have been told in the past that they are not suitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

Is Laser Eye Surgery a suitable alternative?

A lot has changed over the last few years. There is now a new kid on the block – a development that has opened up Laser Eye Surgery for more people than ever before.

Even if you have dry eyes, a high prescription, or presbyopia, in 2022, – depending on the clinic you go to – up to 96% of patients are now suitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

The introduction of ReLEx SMILE has revolutionised the world of Laser Eye Surgery, offering a less invasive and more effective method of vision correction. What’s more, Laser Eye Surgery now has a lower risk of complications and side effects than ever.

A clinic’s opinion of your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery can differ depending on their available technology, techniques, and surgeon expertise. Therefore, the only way of knowing for sure is to Book a Consultation.

Find out if you’re suitable for Laser Eye Surgery today by contacting one of our Patient Care Coordinators. 

Laser Eye Treatment Fees start from £5,900 for both eyes. Very complex treatments may cost more.

Interest-FREE finance available over THREE years, from £82 per month for both eyes, makes the best more flexible. Find out more.