LASIK Alternatives: Comparing Vision Correction Options

Top Alternatives to LASIK

Surgery is an effective way to reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts. Several different types of procedures exist, including these eight alternatives to LASIK:

EVO ICL 

EVO ICL involves placing a very thin lens within the eye to correct nearsightedness. The surgery takes about 20 minutes per eye, and incisions are made with a laser. Side effects are minimal, but recovery can take several months. 

The EVO ICL is ideal for people with thin corneas or chronic dry eye. People like this may not be suitable for LASIK, but they can get the results they need with EVO ICL. 

PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a form of laser surgery in which doctors reshape the cornea and improve common vision problems. To access deeper tissues, doctors remove outer cornea layers with a laser or brush. People who don’t qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas may benefit from PRK instead. 

Recovery from PRK can be long and painful. But since the surgery doesn’t require a flap (as LASIK does), it could be a better choice for athletic people or pilots. 

RLE

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure in which doctors replace the lens inside your eye with a synthetic version. The lens implanted is specifically designed to correct your individual vision problem. If your vision changes after surgery, your doctor can replace the lens. 

RLE can be a good option for people with prescriptions that are too strong for LASIK correction. The FDA hasn’t approved the surgery, but it’s considered safe and effective. 

LASEK

LASEK eye surgery is a procedure that permanently reforms the shape and thickness of the cornea. Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all be treated with LASEK. To access deep cornea tissues, doctors remove outer layers with alcohol, push the cells aside, and replace them after surgery.

LASEK is a good option for people with thin corneas who don’t qualify for LASIK. Recovery time is slightly prolonged, as the tissues need time to heal. Your vision may be blurry for a week or longer. 

Epi-LASIK 

Epi-LASIK uses lasers to permanently change the shape and thickness of the cornea. Surgeons use this procedure for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Doctors access deeper tissues by using a specialized tool to shear away outer cornea layers. They are replaced when the surgery is complete. 

Epi-LASIK can reduce post-surgical pain, due to the way deeper tissues are accessed. It can be a good solution for people who don’t qualify for LASIK due to large pupils or dry eyes. 

Wavefront-Guided LASIK 

Wavefront LASIK is a revolution in vision correction. Doctors measure how light moves through your eye and use that data to guide tissue removal during LASIK. Precise cuts can mean even better results than those seen in standard LASIK. 

If you’re a candidate for LASIK, you qualify for the wavefront-guided version. The surgery, risks, recovery time, and more are all the same. But the price of wavefront tends to be much higher. 

Phakic IOLs

Phakic intraocular lenses (or phakic IOLs) are synthetic lenses permanently implanted within your eyes to correct nearsightedness. If you’re not a good candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas, too-high prescriptions, or other factors, this surgery could be a good choice. 

Phakic IOLs are expensive, and the healing time can be extensive. But they are a good solution for people who want permanent vision correction and can’t get LASIK. 

SMILE

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE eye surgery) is a new version of LASIK that works explicitly on myopia and astigmatism. The two surgeries cost about the same, have similar healing times, and have similar side effects. 

In SMILE, doctors cut a disc-shaped piece of cornea in the eye to reshape your eye permanently. The surgery technique is relatively new, so it’s not as easy to find doctors to perform it.

Comparing LASIK Alternatives: Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the Right LASIK Alternative

Which LASIK alternative is right for you? Or should you have standard LASIK instead? These aren’t questions you can answer alone. It’s essential to reach out to a medical professional, such as NVISION Eye Centers, to determine the best vision correction procedure for you.

During a LASIK consultation, doctors will test your eyes and determine which surgical procedure is right for you. At the end of that appointment, you’ll understand the risks and benefits of each option clearly. With that information, you can make an informed decision about your future.

LASIK Alternatives Frequently Asked Questions

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