Alternatives to Refractive Surgery Procedures

Candidates of laser eye surgery may want to know different options of LASIK. This information will help you to make an informed decision. Each process may depend on various attributes of eyes, such as thinness of corneas. Some possible alternatives are as under:

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

Nowadays, ICL is an intraocular lens to implant in your eyes without removing your natural lenses. According to Visian ICL specialists, this lens can be an ideal choice for patients between the age of 21 and 45. If you don't need reading glasses, you can be a perfect candidate.

This process needs a microscopic incision that doesn't involve stitches. Moreover, there is no need to worry about any change in the health or shape of your cornea. It will remain inside of your eyes indefinitely. If you are not happy with the results of this ICL, it is possible to remove this lens.

LASEK

With a flat or thin cornea, LASEK can be a good alternative to PRK. This process will not involve a blade or laser. The doctors use an alcohol solution to soften your corner and remove its outer layer.

They use a laser to reshape your cornea only. This process is less invasive; therefore, there is no need to worry about infection. 

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants

A patient with a lens may not qualify for LASIK because he can't focus. In this situation, you can get the advantage of Phakic Intraocular Lens implants. It doesn't involve cutting or peeling of corneal layers. Surgeons leave a small portion of the cornea.

The surgeons implant a lens made of silicone or plastic between the iris and cornea to improve the focus of eyes. This lens is permanent, but it is possible to remove it easily. The recovery time of this lens may vary based on the material of the lens. You may notice improvements within 24 hours after your surgery.

Epi-LASIK

Epi-LASIK can be a good option than traditional LASIK. They use a plastic blade to lift the epithelium to detach it from your inner cornea. In the next step, a laser reshapes the inner tissue of your cornea. Finally, they insert a protective lens for quick recovery. If your cornea is thin, feel free to use this procedure. 

Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery

Refractive lens surgery is suitable for those who can't qualify for conventional corrective surgery. The surgeon uses a laser to remove your natural lens to replace it with an artificial IntraOcular lens. This process is useful to improve the focus of your eyes. 

With this surgery, you can get impressive results for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The results will be last longer than other types of operations because the artificial lens can't age. These patients can avoid cataracts.

People with moderate and severe vision problems can try this procedure. These methods allow you to get the advantage of vision correction surgical procedure. Before choosing any process, it is essential to contact your eye care specialist.