Your Guide to Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK is a popular option for people who don’t want to depend on wearing glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, however there are many alternatives to LASIK so it’s important to know the available options in order to choose the best method for you.

Call Us

111-222-3333

Your Guide to Alternatives to LASIK in PRIMARYCITY

LASIK tends to be a very well known kind of laser eye surgery, however there are many alternatives, including different types of refractive surgeries. There are specific factors which are crucial in order to qualify for LASIK surgery which means that it is not a suitable option for everyone. In addition, the method for this kind of surgery involves forming a flap in the cornea which is the clear part that covers the surface of the eye and plays an essential role in our visual system. This flap has advantages, in addition to disadvantages. Thankfully, there are a variety of other options available for refractive surgeries so that each person can weigh out the benefits and risks to figure out the best approach for their vision and lifestyle. A brief overview of alternatives to LASIK is provided below, but please schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss the possibilities in depth. Together you can figure out which method is best for you, for your health, and for your eyesight.

Orthokeratology (Ortho K)

Before delving into various refractive surgery options, it’s important to know that there is an alternative option to LASIK which does not involve surgery, and thus it is not permanent. This method is known as Ortho K which uses special lenses that reshape the cornea while the person wears the lenses each night. Upon waking up in the morning, the lenses are removed and the person can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses. If the person wishes to stop using Ortho K, the cornea goes back to its original shape, making this a reversible and very effective option. For more information, please schedule an appointment at our office and our eye doctor will gladly discuss orthokeratology further with you to see if it’s a suitable option.

Photorefractive Keratometry (PRK)

Both PRK and LASIK use the exact same type of laser for the procedure and both reshape the cornea. The difference is that they each work on a different layer of the cornea. As a result, PRK is suitable for people with thin corneas who do not qualify for LASIK. In LASIK, a flap is formed in the cornea during surgery, whereas in PRK that is not the case. This makes PRK a more suitable option for people who live a very active lifestyle which can increase risk for complications due to the flap. PRK is a very quick procedure in which the outer layer of the cornea is removed and then grows back over time, and therefore there’s a longer period of healing. LASIK generally takes a few days to heal, as opposed to PRK which takes approximately a month to heal. Most people who get LASIK can see clearly within a few hours after surgery, but in photorefractive keratometry most people will gain 70% of their vision after one week and can drive at that point, yet it takes around a month to be mostly healed.

Common Questions

Is there ever a need for contact lenses after LASIK surgery?

Depends. If you got LASIK to correct your distance vision, you may need to wear contact lenses again once you reach presbyopia. Presbyopia is a normal part of age processing that starts around age 40-50 resulting in near vision blur. Thus you would need reading glasses/contacts to help you see clearly up close. Additionally, the front part of your eye is flattened after LASIK, so your eye doctor will have to choose a contact lens with a flatter curvature to properly fit on your eye.

Are there surgery free lasik alternatives?

The answer is yes and no. If your goal is to stay out of glasses and contacts throughout the day then there is an alternative called ortho-keratalogy (ortho-K) hard contact lenses. These are specialty lenses that are custom designed for you to sleep with at night; the lenses gently applies pressure and reshape your cornea (the front curvature of your eye) to safely and gently improve your vision, such that when you wake up in the morning and remove the lenses you’re able to see clearly without any correction throughout the day. However, the difference between LASIK and ortho-K is that ortho-K is not permanent, you have to wear the ortho-K lenses every night or else your cornea will go back to its original shape. Talk to your eye doctor to see which treatment you’re a better candidate for.

Is PRK a better option than LASIK?

To see clearly after LASIK, it takes only a few days or less, whereas for PRK, it takes about a month. As long as the procedure is done by a licensed, experienced surgeon, the results should be the same. When it comes to recommendations about any surgical procedure it is important to consult our optometrist to determine what procedure would be best for you and receive a referral to a recommended eye surgeon in CITY. A PRK procedure leaves no flap on your cornea, making it safer and more effective in the long run. LASIK leaves behind a flap that in rare cases may sustain greater damage if the eye is injured.

Summary

LASIK is a wonderful option for refractive surgery, but every procedure comes with its benefits and risks. There are other methods for refractive surgery and non-surgical options, available for those who are not qualified to get LASIK for various reasons. Please schedule Book an Appointment with our eye doctor to figure out what is the best option for you. You can schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor by calling 111-222-3333. Patients who are nearsighted or looking for a LASIK alternative visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of contact lens services for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3.

Learn More

Maintaining eye health with diabetes: 10 tips and strategies from our CITY eye doctor

Diabetes can cause serious eye complications. As a local optometry clinic, we see firsthand the impact that diabetes can have on a person's eye health.

Understanding Macular Degeneration: How it Affects Your Central Vision

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the US, with over 10 million Americans affected and numbers expected to rise.

Eye Emergency in CITY? When should you seek medical attention for pink eye?

One of the common questions about pink eye is “is pink eye an emergency?”, patients want to know if they can wait it out or need to schedule emergency eye exam.

Styes and Your Vision: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options

A stye is a painful red lump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection. If you have one, consult our eye doctor to prevent complications.

The Impact of Bell's Palsy on Vision

Bell's palsy can cause vision problems such as double vision, dry eye, and blurred vision.

When should you seek medical attention for pink eye?

One of the common questions about pink eye is “is pink eye an emergency?”, many patients want to know if they can wait it out or need to schedule an eye exam.

1 2 3 … 10 Next »

Testimonials

22222

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Ilan 2

1111111

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Ilan

Blog

Vision Therapy for Concussion Recovery: Enhance Healing and Visual Function

May 2, 2023

It is estimated that up to 90% of patients who experience a concussion may encounter some form of vision-related symptoms or problems. Concussions are a common type of brain injury that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. While rest and avoiding physical activity are often recommended for concussion recovery, […]

Cute Boy Covered His Eye With Hand Standing Optics Clinic 1

Maintaining Optimal Eye Health: Signs You May Need New Glasses

April 29, 2023

Good eyesight is essential for our daily lives, whether it's for driving, reading, or simply enjoying the scenery around us. If you wear glasses, ensuring your prescription is up-to-date is crucial, as failing to do so can lead to headaches, eyestrain, and other vision-related problems. In this blog post, we'll discuss the signs indicating you […]

Colored Contact Lenses: Safety, Risks, and Proper Care for Your Vision

April 24, 2023

Colored contact lenses have gained popularity in recent years as a way to change or enhance one's eye color. While they can be a fun way to experiment with different looks, some people may have concerns about the potential risks to their vision. In this blog, we will explore whether colored contact lenses can harm […]

see all blogs