LASIK Alternatives

LASIK is a well known vision correction procedure however there are LASIK alternatives that could be a better solution! During your LASIK Consultation, our LASIK eye surgeons will help you determine the procedure that can provide the best visual outcome for each individual. LASIK alternatives include PRK, Clear Lens Exchange or the EVO ICL. Read more about each procedure below.

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Evo ICL

EVO ICL is a vision correction surgery that involves implanting a thin, flexible lens inside the eye to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. EVO can be suitable for patients with thin corneas or those whose corneas are not suitable for LASIK. It is also an option for individuals with high refractive errors. Learn more about EVO here.

PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the first procedure performed using the excimer laser. It corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. The difference between LASIK and PRK is that with LASIK, a corneal flap is created and the laser is applied to the inner tissue of the cornea. With PRK, the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) is removed and a laser is applied to the surface of the cornea. PRK can be used to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Clear Lens Replacement

If you’re tired of wearing glasses but have been told that you’re not a candidate for LASIK, there is another vision correction option that may be right for you. It’s called Clear Lens Extraction and Replacement, and it’s designed especially for people who are over 40 and are not good candidates for LASIK. Clear Lens Extraction involves surgical removal of the eye’s natural or crystalline lens and replacement with an artificial (intraocular) lens to achieve clearer eyesight. Learn more about Clear Lens Replacement.

Unlike LASIK and other refractive surgery techniques that correct vision by changing the shape of the cornea, Clear Lens Extraction corrects your vision by changing the focusing power of the eye’s lens. To do this, we replace your natural lens with a new intraocular lens (IOL).

Like the lens of a camera, which focuses images sharply on the film, the eye’s lens focuses light and images on the retina at the back of your eye. With Clear Lens Extraction, your natural lens is replaced with an IOL selected to give you the best vision for your needs.

Clear Lens Extraction is well suited for people over 40 because that is the age that most of us begin to lose the ability to focus up close. This occurs when the natural lens becomes less flexible, and no longer accommodates as well to change its focus from distant to near vision. Then reading glasses or bifocals are needed for close work.

The Procedure

Before the procedure, your eye is carefully measured using precision state-of-the-art ultrasound instruments. These measurements are entered into a sophisticated formula to calculate the exact corrective power of your intraocular lens. This procedure uses the same advanced techniques that have been so successful in restoring sight for people with cataracts. The lenses described below with regard to cataract surgery are the same lenses you and your doctor will discuss your options for your Clear Lens Surgery.

Determining the Right Procedure for You

Some IOLs used in Clear Lens Extraction have a fixed focal length and do not accommodate. If you select this type, you may prefer to have your new lens provide a sharp distance vision for driving, golf, and similar activities. Or you may want near vision for reading, computer work, and other close activities. A consultation with one of our Northeastern Pennsylvania eye surgeons can help determine if this procedure is a good option for you.

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