PRK, Monovision LASIK, and RLE: Alternatives to LASIK

PRK Laser Eye Surgery in Dayton, Ohio | Stahl Vision LASIK Plus PRK Center

PRK vs. LASIK: Which Is Right for You?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a proven laser eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While recovery takes a bit longer than LASIK, PRK is often the best choice for patients in Dayton, Ohio with:

  • Thinner corneas
  • Higher prescriptions
  • Active lifestyles such as contact sports

At Stahl Vision in Dayton, we offer advanced CustomVision™ PRK, designed to deliver sharper, high-contrast vision using state-of-the-art wavefront-guided technology.

How PRK Works

At our Dayton laser eye center, PRK is a precise, outpatient procedure:

  • Numbing drops keep you comfortable throughout
  • The thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed
  • An advanced excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your vision
  • A soft “bandage” contact lens is placed to support healing

Most patients notice vision improvement within a few days, with final results comparable to LASIK after full healing.

PRK Recovery & Results

PRK recovery is gradual but highly effective:

  • Mild discomfort for the first few days (often described as “gritty”)
  • Vision improves steadily as the surface heals
  • Long-term results are just as clear as LASIK

With modern advancements in laser technology and post-op care, PRK is now more comfortable and faster-healing than ever before.

Advanced PRK Technology in Dayton

Stahl Vision uses the WaveLight Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q Excimer Laser, featuring:

  • High-speed precision treatment
  • Real-time eye tracking for accuracy
  • Ultra-smooth corneal reshaping for better visual outcomes

Combined with our proprietary CustomVision™ technology, this allows us to deliver exceptional clarity and consistency for PRK patients in Dayton and surrounding areas.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRK?

PRK may be ideal if you:

  • Are not a LASIK candidate due to thin or irregular corneas
  • Are involved in contact sports like boxing
  • Want a long-term alternative to glasses or contacts

During your consultation, our surgeons will help determine whether PRK or LASIK is best for your eyes and lifestyle.

Schedule Your PRK Consultation in Dayton

Ready to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts?

Book your PRK consultation in Dayton, Ohio today and discover if CustomVision™ PRK is right for you.

Call 937-643-2020 or schedule online to get started.

Monovision LASIK for Presbyopia & Near Vision Correction

As we get older we lose some of the ability to see up close, and about the time we reach 45 we are either wearing bifocals, wearing reading glasses, or for some patients taking our glasses off to read. For some patients, this loss of near vision called presbyopia may be corrected with monovision LASIK. Monovision LASIK here in Ohio is an FDA approved technique that corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near.

Using monovision LASIK addresses the need for two different focal lengths by focusing each eye at a different focal length. People over 40, who require glasses for distance vision – nearsighted or myopic individuals – frequently find that they can read up close quite well without their glasses. Correcting their distance vision to 20/20 almost always means that they will need glasses to be able to read up close. This is because they can no longer focus or adjust their focal length. Typically in monovision LASIK, the eye that is corrected for distance is the dominant eye and the eye that is corrected for near is the non-dominant eye. If monovision LASIK is a good choice for correcting your near vision, Dr. Stahl & Knowles Ohio LASIK surgeons, and the staff will make that recommendation for you and spend the time necessary to answer your questions.

Refractive Lens Exchange in Dayton, Ohio | Lens Replacement Surgery at Stahl Vision

See Clearly at Every Distance—Without Reading Glasses

If you’re over 50 and frustrated with reading glasses or bifocals, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)—also known as lens replacement surgery or clear lensectomy—may be the best vision correction option in Dayton, Ohio.

At Stahl Vision, we specialize in advanced RLE procedures designed to restore clear distance and near vision, helping you reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.

What Is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision problems caused by aging, including:

  • Presbyopia (loss of near vision after 40)
  • Early cataracts
  • High nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism

RLE is the same procedure as cataract surgery, performed earlier to improve vision and prevent cataracts from developing later.

Why Choose RLE Instead of LASIK?

While LASIK reshapes the cornea, RLE addresses the root cause of aging vision—the natural lens.

RLE may be better than LASIK if you:

  • Are over age 50
  • Need help seeing both near and far
  • Have early cataracts
  • Have a prescription too strong for LASIK
  • Want a long-term solution that prevents future cataract surgery

Advanced Lens Options for Dayton Patients

At Stahl Vision, we offer leading premium lens implants to match your lifestyle:

  • Multifocal lenses for distance and near vision
  • Extended depth-of-focus lenses for continuous range of vision
  • Accommodating lenses designed to mimic natural focusing

Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your vision goals and daily activities.

What to Expect During RLE Surgery

  • Outpatient procedure at Eye Laser and Surgery Center- conveniently located in our Dayton office
  • No stitches, no needles—just numbing drops and light sedation
  • One eye treated at a time (a few weeks apart)
  • Quick recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within days

After both eyes are treated, your vision works together naturally for the best results.

RLE Recovery & Results

  • Improved distance vision within days
  • Near vision continues to improve over several weeks
  • Reduced or eliminated need for reading glasses
  • Long-lasting results

Because the natural lens is replaced, you won’t need cataract surgery later in life.

Am I a Candidate for RLE?

You may be a great candidate if you:

  • Are 50+ and rely on reading glasses or bifocals
  • Want to correct both near and distance vision
  • Have early signs of cataracts
  • Have healthy eyes overall

A comprehensive eye exam at our Dayton office will determine if RLE is right for you.

Trusted RLE Surgeons in Dayton, Ohio

Our team of surgeons Dr. Brian Stahl, Dr. James Knowles, and Dr. John Gillis are Dayton's top surgeons for Refractive Lens Exchange and advanced lens implant surgery in Dayton. Our all-in-one center provides:

  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Advanced diagnostic technology
  • Complete pre- and post-operative care

Patients travel to our center from across Southwest Ohio, including:
Sidney • Piqua • Troy • Springfield • Urbana • Dayton • Mason • West Chester • Eaton • Xenia • Jamestown • Franklin • Springboro • Waynesville • Lebanon • Hamilton • Oxford • Lima • Monroe • Middletown

Cost & Financing

RLE is an investment in your vision for life!  Our all inclusive price includes:

  • Surgery center fees
  • Premium lens implant
  • Surgeon fees and measurements
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Post-operative care for one year

Flexible financing options are available including 24mos no interest financing.  Most insurance plans do not cover RLE unless cataracts are advanced.

Schedule Your RLE Consultation in Dayton

Ready to see clearly at all distances without glasses?

Call 937-427-2020 or schedule your Refractive Lens Exchange consultation in Dayton, Ohio today.

Our best laser eye surgeons Dr. Brian Stahl and Dr. James Knowles specialize in laser eye surgery, PRK plus LASIK, it is what we do!. Our Dayton, Ohio eye center puts Stahl Vision Center, Laser Vision Correction of Dayton, and Eye Laser and Cataract Surgery Center all under one roof conveniently located for patients from Sidney Ohio, Springfield Ohio, Urbana Ohio, Dayton Ohio, Cincinnati Ohio, West Chester Ohio, Eaton Ohio, Xenia Ohio, Jamestown Ohio, Franklin Ohio, Springboro Ohio, Waynesville Ohio, Lebanon Ohio, Mason Ohio, Oxford Ohio, and Middletown Ohio. Please call Stahl Vision at 937.643.2020 to schedule an appointment for an examination or consultation for PRK or CustomVision™ PRK.

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