• Questions to ask your Doctor
  • Choose Quality Care

Eye Doctors Weigh In on LASIK and Alternatives

Eye doctors weigh in on refractive surgical techniques that are designed to reduce or omit the need for eye glasses or contacts, such as LASIK.   Excimer lasers, used for LASIK, have a 50 year history with initial use in the industrial industry. That is, until the lasers made their mark in the ophthalmic community.  In the 1980’s, the excimer laser became available to eye doctors and LASIK was “born”.  As a result, the excimer laser began to transform the techniques available to restore vision, while for the first time reducing or eliminating dependence on eyeglasses or contacts. The excimer laser was revolutionary for U.S. eye surgeons interested in offering the most sophisticated options to manage vision loss.

LASIK and Alternatives FAQ’s

Since then, there have been a variety of techniques introduced following LASIK through alternative options, known as Refractive surgery techniques, in order to reduce or eliminate dependence on eyeglasses and contacts. The right option for your vision loss depends upon numerous factors, including: the condition of your eyes, your eye surgeon’s preference, the technique that the surgeon has focused on in his or her practice and your choice after being presented with all options. So, we turned to several leading ophthalmologists to explore the path of LASIK and why there are alternatives.

Can LASIK technology get any better?

As Dr. Joseph Dello Russo, leading LASIK Eye Surgeon with offices in New York and New Jersey, explains, “The most cutting edge technology is available for LASIK today. The LASIK procedure, with the very best eye surgeon using the very best technology, offers a great solution for those who qualify.”

What might disqualify a person from LASIK Treatment?

As Dr. Peter S. Hersh, leading Refractive Eye Surgeon of Teanack New Jersey, explains, “Refractive surgeons use a variety of tools to determine the predictability of a positive outcome from LASIK surgery.  We examine the ocular surface to rule out eye conditions and treat any eye conditions that are discovered. In some cases, such as, dry eye syndrome, success in treatment for eye conditions allows people to qualify for LASIK surgery. Optimization of the patient’s ocular surface is the key to a good outcome. Of course, there are other refractive options for those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK.”

What about alternatives, such as PRK and LASEK?

As Dr. Parker, leading eye surgeon of Salt Lake City, UT explains, “The PRK procedure is different from Lasek because no flap is created in PRK in order to perform the treatment. Instead, the surface layer of the cornea, called epithelium, is removed and a laser is applied to the underlying cornea. The epithelium then gradually heals. There are many reasons why patients may or may not be suitable candidates for PRK. Proper screening and evaluation is very important for identifying candidacy for all types of refractive surgery.”

How may the ICL choice offer a better option?

Dr. Frank Owczarek, leading Ophthalmologist of Newark, Delaware explains, “LASIK is the most common refractive procedure and works well for many patients who have a normal cornea. What many people do not realize is that the ICL may be a better option for some of them. The ICL also works well for many people with severe near sightedness who do not qualify for LASIK.”

How about the alternatives for people who do not qualify for Laser Corrective Surgery?

As Dr. Lance Kugler, leading Refractive Eye Surgeon of  Omaha, Nebraska adds, “ICLs have given Refractive Surgeons an option to offer people who have been told in years past that they were not a candidate for laser corrective surgery.  For patients who are too nearsighted or have irregular corneas, thus are unable to have LASIK, the ICL is a nice option. These advanced technologies are giving people unprecedented visual function and freedom. It’s really an exciting time for patients and an exciting time in the industry.”

In What Ways May ICL’s Compare to LASIK?

As Dr. Curtin G. Kelley, leading Refractive Eye Surgeon of Columbus, Ohio explains, “LASIK surgery has stood a test of time by altering the curvature of the eye to restore vision. ICL’s do not reshape the curvature of the eye, are removable and offer an extremely stable alternative for those who qualify. Since ICL’s are removable, the technique used to treat a cataract, which may naturally develop with aging, is standard. In LASIK, the cataract procedure is more highly technique driven in terms of the calculation for the lens power.  By the same token, the ICL technique is a very delicate surgery, much like operating on a butterfly wing, so proper patient selection and technique is important. The results of the ICL typically provide for vision restoration in 24 hours.”

So there you have it! Answers to just some of the initial information you may wish to further review with your Refractive Eye Surgeon. At this point, why wait? Check in with a Refractive Eye Surgeon to identify the choice that you qualify for! A lifestyle with the reduced or omitted need to wear optical devices may be just what you desire.

Next visit, How to Choose Your Eye Doctor and Find an Eye Doctor

Or Learn What You Need to Know about  Refractive Lens Exchange

It is important to recognize that all information contained in this forum cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.