LASIK
Alternatives
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, our surgeons perform several other treatments to reduce dependence on corrective lenses.
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PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY (PRK)
Similar to LASIK, we often recommend this treatment when corneas are not thick enough for a LASIK flap. PRK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is performed with the same sophisticated excimer laser as LASIK. But instead of creating a flap, the surgeon gently brushes aside a layer of protective surface cells. After the underlying tissue is reshaped by the laser, a bandage soft contact lens is worn for 3 or 4 days until the surface cells regenerate.
The photorefractive keratectomy procedure.
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE (RLE)
In this treatment, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant specially selected to match the eye’s focusing needs. It is the same procedure our surgeons use to treat tens of thousands of cataracts each year. RLE can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia—the middle-aged loss of reading vision. Lens implants are high-tech marvels that can dramatically improve vision. Several options are available to match your lifestyle. Learn more about this treatment option in the Cataract Correction section of our website.
IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENS (ICL)
ICLs offer an exciting alternative for people under the age of 40 who have moderate to severe nearsightedness and are not candidates for laser vision correction. This may be due to insufficient corneal thickness or dry eyes. Think of ICLs as semi-permanent contact lenses that are placed inside the eye to add focusing power. For properly selected patients, the results are dramatic and quite predictable. Click here to learn more.
The implantable contact lens procedure.
READING VISION CORRECTION
MONOVISION IS AN OPTION if you are over age 45 and suffering the age-related loss of near vision (presbyopia). Reading glasses are the most common solution. But monovision can restore near vision so you can see text messages, your tablet or computer screen, and the time on your wristwatch—without reading glasses. With this procedure, the dominant eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. The brain adjusts to this blended vision. Monovision can be achieved with LASIK, PRK and RLE. To help determine if monovision is for you, we recommend having your family optometrist fit you with contact lenses to simulate the effect. This will allow you to try monovision for several days or weeks in normal daily activities.
How monovision works.