Yes—you can have lens replacement surgery (also known as refractive lens exchange or RLE) after LASIK. However, whether it’s right for you depends on a number of important factors, including your current eye health, your age, the results of your previous LASIK surgery, and your long-term vision goals. In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to consider if you’re exploring RLE as a vision correction option after LASIK.
What Does LASIK Do?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It typically provides quick visual recovery and long-term results, allowing many patients to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
However, LASIK doesn’t stop the natural aging process of the eye. Conditions such as presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close) and cataracts can still develop years after LASIK, which may lead patients to consider other surgical options—like RLE—for clearer vision as they age.
Why Would You Need RLE After LASIK?
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It’s commonly used to treat presbyopia or reduce dependence on reading glasses in people over 45, and it can also prevent the need for cataract surgery later in life.
If you’ve previously had LASIK, but your vision has changed due to age-related lens changes or presbyopia, RLE may be an appropriate solution. RLE is also a good option for those who are no longer ideal candidates for additional laser correction due to thin corneas or other structural concerns.
Things to Consider Before Getting RLE
Although it’s possible to have RLE after LASIK, several key assessments are needed to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate. A comprehensive eye evaluation by an experienced ophthalmologist is essential.
1. Corneal Thickness & Shape
LASIK involves removing corneal tissue to reshape the eye, which alters its thickness and curvature. If too much tissue was removed during your initial LASIK procedure, it may impact the precision of RLE measurements and the final visual outcome.
Your ophthalmologist will assess:
- The current shape, stability and curvature of your cornea
- The amount of corneal tissue removed during LASIK
- Any signs of corneal irregularity or ectasia
Corneal topography and other advanced imaging tools will be used to help ensure your eye is structurally sound before proceeding with RLE.
2. Refractive Stability
To be considered for RLE, your vision should be stable—especially if your LASIK was performed relatively recently. Typically, eye surgeons look for at least 1 year of refractive stability for accurate IOL power selection.
Post-LASIK eyes can sometimes be more challenging to measure for intraocular lens calculations. That’s why confirming stable vision is so crucial—it reduces the risk of inaccurate IOL power selection and unsatisfactory visual outcomes after surgery. .
3. Potential Challenges & Limitations
It’s also important to understand the unique considerations of having RLE after LASIK:
- IOL calculation challenges: LASIK changes the corneal shape, making it harder to calculate the right IOL power.
- Higher chance of visual aberrations: Patients may be more prone to glare, haloes, or reduced contrast sensitivity, especially if multifocal lenses are chosen.
- Longer healing time or unpredictable outcomes: This may be a concern in patients with corneal irregularities or dry eye, which are more common after LASIK.
- Vector Eye Centre also offers the Light Adjustable Lens which is an IOL that is very accurate in post-LASIK eyes and drastically decreases the above challenges and limitations.
Your eye surgeon will discuss these risks and help determine which type of intraocular lens is most appropriate for your vision needs and eye health.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RLE After LASIK?
Not everyone who’s had LASIK is automatically eligible for RLE. Your eye care provider will review your medical and surgical history, examine your eyes, and assess whether you meet the following general criteria:
- You’re over the age of 45 and experiencing presbyopia or early lenticular changes
- You’ve had stable vision for at least 1 year
- Your eyes are generally healthy, with no active infections or significant eye disease
- Your cornea is in good condition post-LASIK
- You’re not a good candidate for additional LASIK or PRK enhancements
- You have realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery
While RLE can offer excellent results, it’s a permanent procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens. It’s vital to ensure you’re choosing it for the right reasons and at the right time.
What’s the Best Way to Move Forward?
The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for RLE after LASIK is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and speak with an experienced ophthalmologist. They can take detailed measurements of your eyes, review your surgical history, and help you weigh the benefits and risks of the procedure based on your vision goals.
Considering Lens Replacement Surgery After LASIK?
If you’ve had LASIK and are now exploring your options for clearer vision as you age, the team at Vector Eye Centre in Calgary can help. Our highly trained eye surgeons will assess your candidacy for refractive lens exchange and guide you through the process with care, clarity, and precision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward better vision.
