LASIK Alternatives

While LASIK surgery has enabled millions of people across the world to improve refractive errors and get rid of glasses and contact lenses, the procedure is not for everyone. For various reasons, including thin corneas, abnormally shaped corneas, and being too nearsighted, there are many people who are not ideal candidates for LASIK.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to LASIK available. It is important to consult an eye surgeon who has experience with many different procedures and can recommend the right one for your needs.

Some common alternatives to LASIK include:

• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure where a laser reshapes the surface of your cornea. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap cut into your cornea, which may cut down on the risk of dry eye associated with LASIK.
  
• CK (conductive keratoplasty) uses radiofrequency waves to correct refractive errors such as farsightedness or astigmatism. The radiofrequency waves are applied to the edge of your cornea to correct your vision problems.
  
• Implantable contact lenses provide patients whose nearsightedness is too severe for LASIK or PRK an excellent option for vision correction. An incision is made in the eye so that a hard, plastic lens can be inserted in front of your eye's natural lens.
  
• Refractive lens exchange replaces your eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It very similar to cataract surgery and is an excellent option for patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK.
  

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