How is RLE Different from LASIK & PRK?

Choosing the Right Vision Correction Solution for You: LASIK & PRK vs RLE

For those over the age of 50, choosing between LASIK & PRK vs RLE is like having to decide between long- and short-term solutions. All the options can provide relief from vision correction issues, but which one of these options is going to truly offer you an extension on your vision – and correct future vision issues.

Quick answer: it’s not PRK …. or LASIK

Why Does Age Matter?

As we all age so do our eyes, this means that for people over 50 traditional vision correction solutions won’t address the issues that are relevant during a new time of life. If you think about the eye like a camera’s lens, when it is new cleaning the outside with your t-shirt will solve for a blurry photo, but as the camera gets older it seems to work less and less to achieve a clear crisp photo.

The same thing happens with your eyes, as you age the problems are not with the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Which requires a shift in vision correction solutions.

Refractive Lens Exchange vs LASIK & PRK: How are They Different?

Let’s walk through how each vision correction option works and what the biggest up and downsides of each procedure are!

PRK: Common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be addressed with PRK. However, PRK takes a slightly different approach than other options. PRK removes the outermost layer of the eye entirely to reshape the cornea. Unfortunately, over time this layer will regrow and cause issues in the future – which makes PRK a non-permanent solution.

LASIK: Image the surface of your eye is a tiny misshapen hill. LASIK will reshape this hill to make it smooth, which will improve your vision. However, LASIK only addresses the cornea, and not the lens. As mentioned earlier, as you age the core issues with one’s vision is with the lens, not the cornea. While LASIK can fix part of your vision, it can’t correct all of it. This makes LASIK a non-ideal solution for those over 50.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): As we have established, those over 50 should be looking for a vision correction solution that can address nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism while also addressing issues with the lens itself. This is where RLE comes in. As a holistic and preventative vision correction option, RLE will not only correct one’s prescription, but it will also address issues with an aging lens by removing the lens itself and replacing it with a premium one, selected for the patient’s specific needs. RLE not only prevents cataracts and is permanent, but it also addresses the specific needs of the patient.

To learn if RLE is right for you, schedule your free, no obligation, virtual consultation, and take the next step towards visual freedom.