What are the alternatives to LASIK?
Everyone may not be interested in LASIK and LASIK may not be the best procedure for everyone. Common alternatives which most patients are familiar with are glasses and contact lenses. Newer contact lenses inclucing bifocal and toric lenses can treat presbyopia. Other alternatives are CLE (clear lens extraction), PRK, RK LTK (laserthermal keratoplasty) and Corneal Rings. CLE is best for older patients, those developing cataracts, those with extreme astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia or those concerned about presbyopia. The procedure is virtually identical to cataract surgery (the most common surgery in seniors). Now there are implants that can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism. The other procedures have been replaced by LASIK or are uncommon.