Choosing the right vision correction method can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when looking at permanent solutions like surgery.
You’re not alone if you’re trying to understand your vision surgery options as you age and wondering which choice will fit your lifestyle best.
At Austin Eye Clinic, our straightforward, honest, and empathetic eye care professionals work to make the decision process easier for you. We offer the most advanced eye surgeries tailored for individual factors like age and lifestyle.
This blog explains how two popular vision correction surgeries compare: LASIK and premium lens replacement.
Understanding Lasik
LASIK surgery is a well-known procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. The surgery treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Most people who have LASIK can quit wearing glasses or dramatically reduce their reliance on them.
However, LASIK can’t correct presbyopia – the age-related condition in which focusing on near objects worsens. Presbyopia affects everyone eventually, usually starting around age 40. So, people over 40 who want to go glasses-free won’t be able to do so with LASIK, as they would likely need reading glasses.
Understanding premium lens replacement
Premium lens replacement is like cataract surgery but without cataracts. The procedure involves removing and replacing the eye lens with an advanced lens implant.
A premium intraocular lens (IOL) can correct your vision at all distances -including improving the close-up focus problems of presbyopia.
So, for patients around their mid-40s and older, a premium lens replacement offers a more complete solution for vision correction.
One important thing to know about premium lens replacement is that it helps you avoid cataract surgery later. Most adults have cataracts that disrupt their vision dramatically sometime after age 65. Usually, cataract surgery is the best long-term solution. But, if you already had your lens replaced, it is unnecessary. An IOL can’t develop a cataract!
Your Lifestyle and Surgery Considerations
Ultimately, the best option depends on your age, lifestyle, and overall vision needs. Most patients say that an active lifestyle is important to them, and we always point them to the surgery that can help them enjoy that lifestyle for the long term.
Ultimately, it often boils down to age and presbyopia. If you’re younger, LASIK might be the go-to choice – but it’s important to remember that you’ll probably need reading glasses in your 40s.
If you’re older, premium lens replacement is usually the superior option because it gives you clear vision and prevents cataract surgery later.
At Austin Eye Clinic, our renowned surgeons have performed over 10,000 premium lens replacements over the last 25 years. Our long track record shows that PLR is a safe and effective way to maintain excellent vision for life. We’re also renowned LASIK specialists with a history of outstanding results.
Outpatient Vision Correction Surgery in Austin
At Austin Eye Clinic, we are here to help you choose the best vision solution. For more information about these procedures, please call us at 512-250-2020 to book your consultation.
