Explore Your Options
Beyond LASIK
Not every eye is right for LASIK—but at Eye Consultants, we offer advanced alternatives like PRK, ICL, and RLE to help you achieve clear, glasses-free vision.
Alternatives to LASIK Surgery
LASIK is the ideal solution for vision correction for the large majority of patients. However, there are times where a different approach might be more appropriate. Several alternatives exist, each with its own advantages and considerations. Below is a brief overview of the primary alternatives to LASIK offered at Eye Consultants. The best way to learn more and get your questions answered in person, would be to book a Free Consultation where you can meet with an expert.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Description: PRK is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea’s surface without creating a flap, like LASIK. It’s often recommended for patients with thin corneas or for people with higher risk jobs or lifestyles.
Advantages:
- Suitable for thinner corneas or those at higher risk of eye trauma.
- No risk of flap-related complications (e.g., flap displacement).
- Long-term outcomes are similar to LASIK for many patients.
- Effective for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Other considerations:
- Longer healing time for full vision recovery as compared to LASIK.
- Discomfort during early days of recovery due to removal of the corneal epithelium.
- Slightly higher risk of post-operative corneal haze.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
Description: ICL involves surgically implanting a corrective lens inside the eye, in front of the natural lens, to correct vision without altering the cornea.
Advantages:
- Reversible, as the lens can be removed or replaced.
- Ideal for patients with high prescriptions or thin corneas who are unsuitable candidates for LASIK/PRK.
- Preserves corneal structure, minimizing dry eye risk.
- Provides sharp, high-quality vision, especially for severe nearsightedness.
Other considerations:
- Not ideal for patients over 45 because of inability to address presbyopia.
- Surgery has slightly higher risk than cornea-based laser procedures.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Description: RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision, similar to cataract surgery.
Advantages:
- Treats a wide range of vision issues, including presbyopia and high prescriptions.
- Eliminates the risk of developing cataracts later in life.
- IOLs can address nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Great option for patients who are ineligible for corneal-based surgeries.
Other considerations:
- Not recommended for patients under 50 due to loss of natural accommodation
- Surgery has slightly higher risk than cornea-based laser procedures.
Very professional. and yet made you feel at ease. I am definitely glad I have chosen Dr. Fillmore and staff to take care of my vision.
– Steven Kapsch
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