I Was Told I’m Not a LASIK Surgery Candidate

If you’ve been hoping for a life free of contacts or glasses, it can be disappointing to find out you’re not a LASIK candidate. However, the road to clear vision doesn’t stop at LASIK! While it may be one of the most popular forms of vision correction surgery, there are still several LASIK eye surgery alternatives that can help you reach your vision goals.

LASIK Surgery Alternatives

At Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas, we offer a range of refractive surgery options to correct your vision. Depending on your individual needs and goals, one of these vision correction procedures could be perfect for you:

1. Visian ICL™

Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that offers many benefits, especially for patients who cannot have LASIK due to a high level of myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas or dry eye. Visian ICL does not cause lasting Dry Eye Syndrome, which can be a side effect of LASIK. This procedure also offers UV protection and has a high patient satisfaction rate.

Visian ICL is implanted behind the iris, in front of your eye’s natural lens during a 20 to 30-minute in-office procedure. You can expect quick vision improvement with short recovery time, and you will not be able to see or feel it once it is inserted. Unlike LASIK, which permanently changes the shape of the cornea, Visian ICL is an additive technology that can be removed, if needed.

Ideal candidates for Visian ICL are between the ages of 21 and 40 with moderate to severe nearsightedness (prescription between –3D and –20D) and a prescription that has been stable for at least two years. Visian Toric ICL can also treat astigmatism (1.0D and 4.0D).

Learn more about Visian ICL.

2. PRK

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery where part of the outer layer of the eye’s surface, the cornea, is gently rubbed away instead of a flap creation like with LASIK.The outer layer of the cornea will grow back on its own in 3-5 days. Similar to LASIK, a laser is then used to remove part of the cornea and correct refractive errors.

Visual improvement and recovery time takes longer than LASIK or Visian ICL lens implantation procedures, but it is still a great option for those who cannot have LASIK due to thin corneas. However, PRK can only correct nearsightedness for prescriptions up to -12 D. Ideal candidates for PRK are over 18 and have had a stable prescription for at least two years. In addition, PRK is generally not recommended for high prescriptions, over about -5.00, as a large PRK treatment carries a risk for corneal haze development.

3. CLE

Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) is a corrective eye surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), just like cataract surgery. CLE can correct a range of vision errors depending on the type of IOL that is chosen.

This procedure is identical to cataract surgery and is typically performed on one eye at a time.The best candidates for this procedure are individuals who are past the age of 40 and have noticed difficulty reading without glasses.

Learn more about Clear Lens Exchange.

Choosing the Right Corrective Eye Surgery

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing the right corrective eye surgery, including your prescription, lifestyle, and vision goals. Our eye care specialists at Kleiman Evangelista in Dallas will explain your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get started on a road to clear vision.