Laser eye surgery keeps the natural lens, while lens replacement swaps it for an implant, so suitability hinges on age, lens clarity, and presbyopia.
People often better suited to laser
Laser is usually preferred while the lens is clear and still focuses naturally.
- Adults typically under 45 with minimal lens ageing
- Desire to correct distance vision but keep natural near focus
- Healthy corneas and no significant cataract on examination
- Moderate prescriptions that fall inside laser safety ranges
- Wish to avoid intraocular surgery at this stage
People often better suited to lens replacement
Lens procedures become more attractive as presbyopia and cataract develop.
- Mid‑forties and above with clear presbyopia or early cataract
- Need to address both distance and near vision together
- High hyperopia or mixed prescriptions where lens correction is more predictable
- Motivation to avoid future cataract surgery by treating the lens now
- Acceptance of intraocular risks and possible night‑vision trade‑offs
