What’s the Difference:

LASIK vs Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) vs 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.

Ask your Ocala eye care provider for an exam or screening to see if you are a candidate for vision correction or cataract surgery. 

LASIK vs RLE vs cataract

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

LASIK, RLE, and other laser vision-correction procedures are used to treat refractive errors, which causes issues for your eyes while processing light. This results in blurry vision.

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.

BeforeAfter

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.

Consult an Opthalmologist

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.

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