LASIK vs Lens Implant: Which Vision Correction Procedure is Right for You?
LASIK vs Lens Implant: Which Vision Correction Procedure is Right for You?
With modern advancements in eye care, getting rid of glasses or contact lenses is now safer and more effective than ever. Thanks to a variety of refractive surgery options, achieving clear, glasses-free vision is no longer just a dream—but a realistic goal.
Two of the most popular procedures for vision correction are:
- Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and its variants)
- Lens Implant Procedures (Phakic Intraocular Lenses and Refractive Lens Exchange)
Both are widely used, both are highly effective, and both have their unique advantages. But which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Categories of Refractive Surgeries
Refractive surgeries fall into two broad categories:
1. Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablations)
These procedures reshape the cornea using a laser to improve how light is focused onto the retina. LASIK is minimally invasive, quick, and offers fast recovery.
2. Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLs)
This includes:
- Phakic IOLs – Implanted without removing the natural lens
- Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – Where the natural lens is replaced with an artificial one
These procedures are typically more invasive but offer broader correction possibilities, especially for people with very high prescriptions or certain eye conditions.
How to Choose: Key Differences and Indications
Not Everyone Is a Candidate for LASIK
LASIK may not be suitable if you have:
- A very high prescription (above 6–8 dioptres)
- Thin corneas
- Previous corneal surgery or scars
- Conditions like keratoconus
When Lens Implants Are a Better Fit
Phakic IOLs can correct extreme levels of myopia (up to -20 dioptres) and are ideal for people who can’t undergo LASIK due to corneal limitations. They’re also a great choice for:
- Post-corneal surgery patients
- Individuals with stable keratoconus
- People with early cataracts (in which case RLE is preferred)
Note: Phakic IOLs aren’t generally used for corrections below -3 dioptres.
A Closer Look at the Procedures
LASIK: Minimally Invasive & Quick
- Extraocular (doesn’t enter inside the eye)
- Irreversible, as it involves removing corneal tissue
- Both eyes are typically treated in the same sitting
- Recovery is fast, with most people returning to normal within a day or two
Lens Implants: More Invasive but Versatile
- Intraocular (performed inside the eye)
- Phakic IOLs are reversible
- RLE is not reversible, as it involves removing the eye’s natural lens
- Carried out one eye at a time to reduce infection risk
- Offers UV protection which can help prevent age-related eye diseases
Surgery Duration & Recovery Time
- LASIK: Surgery takes ~15 minutes per eye; laser time is under 1 minute. Both eyes are done together.
- Lens Implants: Surgery takes 20–30 minutes per eye. Typically done one week apart.
Post-surgery downtime and follow-up routines are similar for both procedures.
What About Reading Glasses?
If You Already Use Reading Glasses:
- LASIK offers monovision (one eye for distance, one for near).
- Phakic IOLs can’t correct near vision.
- RLE with multifocal IOLs can eliminate the need for both distance and reading glasses.
If You Don’t Yet Need Reading Glasses:
You’ll retain your ability to read without them after LASIK or phakic IOLs. But with uni-focal lenses in RLE, you may still need reading glasses post-surgery.
Cost Considerations
- LASIK is generally more affordable.
- Lens implants, especially with advanced multifocal or toric lenses, are more expensive due to the nature of the procedure and cost of the lenses.
- Premium LASIK technologies like Femtosecond LASIK or ReLEx SMILE can bring the cost closer to that of lens implants.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick takeaway:
Go for LASIK if:
- You have low to moderate refractive error
- Your corneas are healthy and thick enough
- You’re looking for a quick and minimally invasive solution
Choose Lens Implants if:
- You have very high myopia or thin corneas
- You’ve had previous corneal issues or surgeries
- You have early signs of cataracts
- You want the potential for better quality vision (especially with multifocal lenses)
Consult Your Eye Surgeon
The best procedure for you depends on a comprehensive eye exam, your lifestyle, vision needs, and the condition of your eyes. Always consult with a trusted ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon to make an informed decision tailored to your eyes.
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation and start your journey to clear, glasses-free vision today.
