Are there alternatives to LASIK surgery?
Yes there are, but LASIK surgery remains the best alternative for most people. The most common alternatives are outlined below: • PRK: PRK is a surface ablation procedure used for patients whose corneal shape or thickness makes LASIK an inappropriate choice. This procedure is often referred to as “no-cut LASIK.” The recovery time of PRK is often longer than with LASIK. However, PRK may be a better alternative for certain occupations or lifestyles. • Phakic IOLs or ICLs (Intraocular Contact Lenses): Phakic IOLs and ICLs are, in essence, implantable contact lenses that supplement, rather than replace, the eye’s natural lens. • Clear Lens Extraction: Clear lens extraction is the removal of the natural lens of the eye (as occurs during cataract surgery) with replacement by an intraocular lens implant.
