Is Refractive Lens Exchange Safer Than LASIK for Age 50+?
If you’re over 50 and looking for long-term vision correction, you’ve likely come across Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and LASIK as two leading options. But which one is safer—and better suited—for your age?
At Restore Surgical Center in Kelowna, we specialize in RLE for mature adults seeking reliable, long-term clarity without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Why LASIK Isn’t Always Ideal Over 50
While LASIK is effective for reshaping the cornea, it doesn’t address the natural aging of the eye’s lens. People over 50 are often already developing presbyopia or even early-stage cataracts—conditions LASIK cannot correct.
Additionally, LASIK results may fade over time as the natural lens continues to deteriorate, requiring touch-ups or additional vision aids.
The Advantages of RLE for Adults 50+
Refractive Lens Exchange replaces the eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial lens, permanently correcting vision and eliminating the risk of future cataracts. For patients over 50, this offers several key benefits:
- Long-lasting results
- Correction for both near and distance vision
- Prevention of cataracts
- A single procedure with no risk of corneal thinning
Is RLE Safer Than LASIK?
For patients in their 50s and beyond, RLE is often considered safer and more effective than LASIK because it:
- Addresses the root cause of age-related vision changes
- Eliminates the need for future cataract surgery
- Provides more stable outcomes in aging eyes
At Restore Surgical Center, we perform RLE using advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) customized to your visual needs.
Considering vision correction after 50? Book a consultation today and discover whether RLE is the right—and safest—option for you.