When LASIK is not an Option

While LASIK surgery has become a very safe and common vision correction option, it is not for everybody. LASIK is most effective in correcting moderate refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. However, when your irregularities are more severe, laser eye surgery may no longer be a viable option for you.

LASIK surgery uses a laser to reshape your cornea to better focus light on your retina. If your corneal irregularities are too severe or if your cornea is too thin, LASIK may compound your vision issues instead of correcting them.

Similarly, if your eyesight is significantly poor, you may not be a candidate for LASIK. Laser eye surgery is most effective for people with more moderate prescriptions (in the range of -3.00 to -9.00). If your refractive errors are too severe and your prescription is stronger than -9.00, you will not be able to undergo LASIK.

Fortunately, there is a new procedure available for patients with very serious vision problems. A new lens made out of a soft, flexible, material called collamer can be permanently implanted just below the surface of your eyeball. This lens is inserted behind your cornea and will rest between your iris and your eye's natural lens.

The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes to complete, and patients report that their vision is very close to 20/20 the same day. So far, many ophthalmologists are reporting patient satisfaction rates of nearly 100% for the procedure.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified eye surgeon in your area.