Laser Eye Surgery or Lens Implant – Benefits and Who They Are Suitable For

Laser Eye Surgery vs. Lens Implant – Which Treatment Is Right for Whom?

Whether laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, or a lens implant or lens replacement is the more suitable option depends on several factors. Among the most important are the degree of visual impairment and the condition of the cornea. In cases requiring higher correction, lens implantation can generally provide greater accuracy and better image quality.

It’s essential to distinguish between the various treatment methods. There are several different options available for both laser eye surgery and lens implantation. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each.

Laser Eye Treatments

Basic requirements for laser eye surgery include good overall health, a minimum age of 18, and the presence of a refractive error. Laser treatment is typically recommended between the ages of 18 and 45. The procedure involves four straightforward steps:

1. Preliminary Examination: Determines whether your eyes are suitable for laser or lens treatment.

2. Main Examination: A detailed assessment during which all necessary measurements are taken and the most suitable treatment method is selected.

3. Treatment: The eyes are numbed with eye drops, and the procedure is then carried out. In just around 15 minutes, your vision is restored.

4. Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on the treatment method, check-ups take place either the following day or a few days later to monitor the healing process and assess visual acuity.

The following treatment methods are available:

Femto-LASIK

Femto-LASIK is one of the most common and popular laser eye treatments. It can correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. The actual procedure only takes a few seconds, and in most cases, full visual acuity is achieved the next day. The following corrections can be treated:

• Myopia up to -10 dioptres
• Astigmatism up to 6 dioptres
• Hyperopia up to +4 dioptres

Trans-PRK

Trans-PRK is a good alternative for individuals with thin or scarred corneas who are not suitable for Femto-LASIK. It is particularly suited for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. Corrections of hyperopia are also possible with lower dioptre values:

• Myopia up to -8 dioptres
• Astigmatism up to 6 dioptres
• Hyperopia up to +4 dioptres

SMILE Pro

SMILE Pro is a modern and minimally invasive laser treatment method. It is suitable for correcting myopia and astigmatism:

• Myopia up to -10 dioptres
• Astigmatism up to 5 dioptres

Lens Treatments

Lens treatments are used when laser eye surgery is not an option. Reasons a person may not be suitable for laser treatment include a cornea that is too thin or too soft, or a refractive error that is too severe.

Lens Implantation (ICL)

With lens implantation (ICL – Implantable Collamer Lens), an artificial lens is placed in front of the natural lens to permanently correct short-sightedness and astigmatism. The shape and configuration of the lens are tailored to the specific refractive error. This is a minimally invasive procedure that takes only a few minutes. The method is reversible – the artificial lens can be removed at a later stage if necessary. However, it is typically intended to remain in the eye for life.

• Myopia up to -20 dioptres
• Astigmatism up to 6 dioptres
• Hyperopia up to +10 dioptres

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

In refractive lens exchange (RLE), the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This treatment is recommended from the age of 45 and is a viable alternative to laser surgery. RLE can correct high levels of refractive error as well as presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness). Because the natural lens is replaced, lens clouding (cataract) cannot occur. Various types of lenses are available, including multifocal lenses, which enable clear vision at all distances. You may be a good candidate for RLE if the following apply:

• Myopia up to -8 dioptres
• Higher refractive errors on request
• Astigmatism up to 5 dioptres
• Eyes otherwise healthy aside from lens clouding

What Are the Differences Between Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Implantation?

Success Rates

Millions of eyes have now been successfully treated with modern laser eye procedures such as Femto-LASIK and Trans-PRK. Depending on your initial condition, over 90% of patients can permanently give up visual aids after treatment. Lens implantations also deliver excellent results: in 75% of cases, residual refractive error is less than 0.5 dioptres, and in around 95% it is less than 1.0 dioptre. If a bothersome residual error remains after the procedure, it can be corrected in a second step using laser treatment (bioptics).

When presbyopia occurs, a reading aid will eventually be required, as laser eye surgery cannot prevent presbyopia—nor can lens implantation. However, implanted lenses can later be exchanged or removed if necessary. With refractive lens exchange (RLE), presbyopia can be proactively addressed, making it a recommended option from the age of 45.

Costs

The cost of laser eye surgery at betterview depends on the treatment method chosen and can be paid in monthly instalments starting from £35.

• Femto-LASIK: £1,990 per eye
• Trans-PRK: £1,490 per eye
• SMILE Pro: £2,790per eye

Lens implantation or refractive lens exchange both cost £3,990 per eye – payable in instalments from £93 per month. The higher price reflects the more complex procedure and the creation of a custom-made artificial lens.

Despite the higher initial investment compared to conventional visual aids like glasses or contact lenses, the treatment quickly pays off. With our cost calculator, you can easily find out how soon your treatment will have paid for itself.

Side Effects

The most common side effect following both lens and laser treatments is dry eyes. This is easily managed with moisturising eye drops and usually subsides within a few weeks or months.

A slight under- or overcorrection can also occur in rare cases but can typically be corrected with a follow-up procedure. Some patients experience increased light sensitivity after laser treatment, which generally resolves on its own within a few weeks and does not require further intervention.

In the case of lens implantation (or exchange), there may be a longer adjustment period. However, this typically stabilises within six to eight weeks, at which point full visual acuity is usually achieved. Dry eyes may also occur in this case but are likewise manageable with eye drops.

More information and frequently asked questions are also available in the betterview helpdesk.

Risks

Both treatment options are characterised by a high level of safety. Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in a sterile environment, following strict hygiene standards. This makes the most significant risk factor - the low chance of bacterial infection - extremely unlikely. In the very rare event that an infection does occur, it can be effectively treated with antibacterial eye drops.