CLE vs. LASIK. Which is Better for Me?

Do you wear glasses or contacts? Do you struggle to read or drive without visual aids? If so, then a quick and easy procedure at Vold Vision might be the answer. LASIK and Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) are excellent ways to improve common vision concerns and enhance your quality of life.

The question of which procedure is better, LASIK or CLE, has been the subject of much debate. Our ophthalmologists are here to give you all the information you need about CLE and LASIK safety and risks so you can make a fully educated decision. Call our eye clinic if you live near Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, or Northwest Arkansas to discover your options and get the process started.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive procedure that can treat most cases of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves using an advanced laser to reshape the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), so light can pass through it more accurately. This results in improved vision. During a LASIK consultation, you will learn that this is a quick and virtually painless treatment that can be performed in about 15 minutes. LASIK benefits include:

• A short recovery period 
• Comfortable procedure
• 3 different procedure type options including the new flap-less SMILE procedure (Vold Vision is the only provider in AR to offer this next generation LASIK option)
• Improved quality of life due to better vision

How does CLE work?

Clear Lens Exchange addresses similar vision issues in patients, but also covers a few more bases. In this procedure, the eye’s natural lenses are removed and replaced with new ones, similar to a contact lens. Vold Vision predominantly uses the well-known PanOptix lens to achieve the clearest outcomes. Advantages of CLE are:

• A short recovery period 
• Comfortable procedure
• Prevents future cataract development and the need for cataract surgery!
• Also corrects Presbyopia (the need for reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals) for patients over 40

Do I need LASIK or CLE?

LASIK is an excellent option for most patients with common refractive errors in Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, or Northwest Arkansas. However, LASIK doesn’t correct presbyopia (the need for readers, bifocals, trifocals as we age) or prevent cataracts from forming in the future. The good news is that CLE uses a clear artificial lens that can never develop cataracts and for patients over 40 also corrects presbyopia to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for reading glasses.

Which treatment is right for me?

If you’re still unsure about which procedure is best for you, the staff at Vold Vision can perform a comprehensive eye exam and make recommendations based on your own visual needs and preferences. When it comes to LASIK and CLE, our experienced ophthalmologists will help you make the choice that’s right for your lifestyle needs and budget.

Schedule a CLE and LASIK consultation

If you are considering getting laser eye surgery, it can be hard to know which procedure is best for you. There are many factors to consider, including LASIK safety and risks, CLE effectiveness, and more. To help make the decision easier on yourself, speak with one of our team members at Vold Vision in Fayetteville or Bentonville, AR. Our eye care professionals can schedule a CLE and LASIK consultation for those in Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, or Northwest Arkansas to find a solution that meets your needs.