What’s the Difference Between LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), and Cataract Surgery?
LASIK surgery, refractive lens exchange (RLE), and cataract surgery are all procedures that can correct problems that affect your ability to see clearly, whether due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or some other barrier, such as a cataract.
The main difference between these procedures is that cataract surgery is used to treat cataracts, a condition in which the natural lens becomes cloudy and impairs vision, while LASIK, RLE, and other laser vision-correction procedures are used to treat refractive errors, meaning errors in the way the eye processes light, which can cause blurry vision.
Your Ocala eye care provider will be able to determine if you are a candidate for any of these surgical vision procedures.
LASIK surgery using a microkeratome blade has now been replaced by all-laser bladeless LASIK
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of laser vision-correction surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This surgery is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK surgery can be performed on both eyes at the same time or on one eye at a time, and the average age of a LASIK patient is between 31 and 41 years old.
What Is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a type of surgery that is used to correct refractive errors-errors in the way the eye processes light-that can cause blurry vision.
RLE is performed by removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. RLE can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and it can be performed on both eyes at the same time or on one eye at a time.
The average age of a RLE patient is around 66 years old. However, RLE surgery can be performed on patients of all ages.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are a condition in which the natural lens becomes cloudy and impairs vision. Cataracts are the most common form of blindness in the world.
Cataract surgery is a procedure that is used to treat cataracts. It is performed by removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes at the same time or on one eye at a time.
Meet the Leading LASIK, Refractive Lens Exchange, and Cataract Surgeons at Ocala Eye
Ocala Eye’s expert-trained ophthalmologists are dedicated to helping your vision last a lifetime.
For all of your advanced eye care needs, we can help you see your best at any phase of your life.
Click HERE to schedule a consultation with an Ocala Eye surgeon.
Consult an Ophthalmologist
We at Ocala Eye dedicate ourselves to helping your vision last a lifetime, which is why we offer comprehensive eye care.
When you visit with an ophthalmologist at our Ocala, Florida offices, your individual case will be discussed and assessed at length. We will then determine which vision correction procedure is best for you.