Blurry vision comes with a host of issues, ranging from frustration when attempting to complete simple tasks to the possibility of a serious accident if cumbersome, corrective eyewear isn’t worn. However, the medical field advanced well beyond contacts and glasses to correct poor eyesight, with LASIK and lens replacement leading the pack. However, these two surgical options aren’t right for everyone, and some people believe they’re actually the same procedure. Read on to learn how these procedures are similar and different as well as which one is right for you.
What is LASIK?
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), is a procedure that reshapes the cornea (the dome on the front of the eye). A surgeon will create a small flap on the cornea. This flap gets lifted and a laser, adjusted to the user’s current eyesight, removes a small amount of tissue to correct their eyesight. The flap is then realigned to heal correctly.
What is Lens Replacement?
For those who don’t qualify for LASIK (more on that in a minute), lens replacement surgery is usually the correct option. A surgeon will remove a patient’s natural lens, replacing it with a manmade lens. This procedure is closer to cataract surgery.
How are LASIK and Lens Replacement Similar?
Both procedures fix vision, must be completed by a surgeon, treat myopia and hyperopia, give great results and only take a short amount of time per eye (10 minutes for LASIK, 15 for lens replacement), but that’s where the similarities end. The main thing to remember when deciding between procedures is to look at the pros and cons of each.
Recovery
Those who receive LASIK can usually resume their day-to-day lives within 24 hours. Lens replacement is more invasive, and most people will need 7-10 days to recover followed by up to 12 weeks to adapt to their new eyesight.
Regression
One thing most people don’t talk about with LASIK is the risk of the eye eventually regressing back to its pre-surgery state. When this happens, patients must go in for LASIK again. Lens replacement is permanent.
Invasiveness
While both LASIK and lens replacement are surgeries, LASIK is less invasive, with surgeons able to complete both eyes the same day. Lens replacement requires surgeons to complete both eyes separately, usually 7-10 days apart.
Cost
Lens replacement is generally more expensive than LASIK; however, the cost is going down compared to what it used to be. This is making it a more viable option for more and more people.
Who Qualifies?
For a lens replacement procedure, ideal candidates are over 50 years of age, and present with high myopia or hyperopia, early cataracts, presbyopia, or lens astigmatism.
Ideal LASIK candidates tend to be under 50 with mild/moderate myopia, cornea astigmatism, or hyperopia.
Deciding between LASIK or lens replacement is a big decision; however, we’re here to help. To learn more about both procedures as well as blended LASIK OKC, contact us today.
