LASIK Alternatives

If you have been imagining a life with less dependence on contact lenses or glasses, it can be disappointing to be told that you are not a candidate for LASIK. However, the road to better vision does not stop at LASIK. While it may be a well-known name in vision correction surgery, there are several other types of procedures that are also clinically proven to allow you freedom from contact lenses or glasses.

At SharpeVision, we offer a range of surgical options for vision correction. Depending on your individual needs and goals, one of these vision correction procedures could be perfect:

PRK

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery in which the outer layer of the surface of the eye (the epithelium of the cornea) is gently loosened and then removed and then, like LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. Visual improvement and recovery time do take a bit longer than LASIK or EVO Visian ICL procedures, but it is still a great option for many people. PRK may be an option for patients who cannot have LASIK due to thin corneas or corneal scars, depending on the level of nearsightedness and corneal thickness. Ideal candidates for PRK are over 18 and have had a stable prescription for at least one year.

EVO Visian ICL Lens™

EVO Visian ICL Lens is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that offers many benefits, especially for patients who cannot have LASIK due to a high level of myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas or dry eyes. EVO Visian ICL does not cause dry eye symptoms. EVO Visian ICL also offers UV protection and 99.4% of EVO ICL patients surveyed say they would have the procedure again. EVO Visian ICL is implanted behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) and in front of the eye’s natural lens during a procedure that lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients experience vision improvement immediately with minimal recovery time and do not see or feel it once it is in place. Unlike LASIK, which permanently changes the shape of the cornea, EVO Visian ICL is an additive technology that can be removed by your doctor, if needed. Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 with moderate to severe nearsightedness (prescription between –3D and –20D) and a prescription that has been stable for at least one year. EVO Toric Visian ICL can also treat the same range of nearsightedness with up to 4.0 D of astigmatism.

RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a vision correction surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE can correct a range of vision errors depending on the type of IOL that is chosen. This procedure is identical to cataract surgery, and one of the well known benefits to RLE surgery is that a patient does not have to worry about needing cataract surgery as they age.

Choosing the Right Vision Correction Surgery

There are many factors to consider when choosing a vision correction procedure. The best choice for you will depend on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the types of benefits you are seeking. At SharpeVision we take the time to explain your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

References:

Naves, J.S. Carracedo, G. Cacho-Babillo, I. Diadenosine Nucleotid Measurements as Dry-Eye Score in Patients After LASIK and ICL Surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.

Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2018: 12: 2427–2438. Learn More About EVO Visian ICL