LASIK Alternatives

Due to varying medical conditions, infections, injuries and various other factors, not everyone qualifies for LASIK surgery. In these cases, LASIK alternatives may be considered for vision correction. There are many surgical and non-surgical options to choose from, but only a doctor can help you decide which is best for your individual case. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to LASIK available:

Surgical Alternatives

Implantable Contact Lenses – also known as VisianICL or Implantable Collimer Lenses, this 15-minute surgery is ideal for people with high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness). In this procedure, artificial lenses are implanted directly behind the iris of the eye, making them virtually invisible. One of the benefits of VisianICL is that it is reversible, so if you experience trouble or vision changes after the surgery, you can have the lenses removed or replaced at any time.

LASEK/PRK Surgery– similar to LASIK surgery, LASEK and PRK only reshape the surface of the cornea instead of the deeper layers. This type of surgery is ideal for people with flat corneas or thin corneal tissue who don’t qualify for traditional LASIK. Post-op discomfort levels are often higher than with traditional LASIK surgery.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

Conductive Keratoplasty – this non-invasive procedure uses radio waves to correct issues like hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (degenerative eyesight/loss of focus). It is ideal for candidates over the age of 40 whose conditions are not treatable by LASIK procedures. Local anesthetic drops are used to relax the eye, but no incisions are made during the procedure, so recovery time is virtually instantaneous.

Orthokeratology – this is an FDA-approved process that uses rigid, gas-permeable and removable contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight. These lenses are ideal for people who want to wean themselves off of glasses or daytime contacts over time and who don’t want to undergo surgery. They can be worn during the day under a doctor’s supervision.

We’ll Help You Decide

Now that you understand what LASIK alternatives are available to you, it’s time to speak to a qualified surgeon about which is best for your eyes. Here at The Fifth Avenue Eye Center, Dr. Ilan Cohen is our Cornea expert and chief surgeon. With more than 10 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Cohen is one of New York’s premiere resources for eye surgery research and advancement.

Our center is thoughtfully designed to include the most modern equipment and up-to-date facilities. Our staff undergoes constant medical training to remain current with industry trends and procedures. While you may find other options for LASIK surgery in the New York City area, you certainly won’t find any better than The Fifth Avenue Eye Center. Call us today or click the link on our website to schedule your free surgery consultation. There is no obligation and you will leave our office with all the information you need on LASIK alternatives. We will answer all your questions to make sure you’re satisfied with your experience with us.