What if I am Not a LASIK Candidate?
For some patients, there are instances where LASIK may not be a good choice. Fortunately, there are other options available.
PRK Surgery
PRK is quite similar to LASIK. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped by the surgeon using the Excimer laser. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that with PRK there is no corneal flap that is cut, instead, the laser beam is applied directly to the surface of the eye to reshape the cornea. PRK is less frequently used because of the development of LASIK, but in some individual cases, PRK may still be the procedure of choice.
Even though the initial healing may take several days longer than that of LASIK, the long-term results are the same. In general, PRK patients will have a somewhat slower recovery of their best vision than LASIK patients. Studies at the 6-month postoperative visit in LASIK and PRK patients show essentially equivalent results with similar ranges of nearsightedness.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) also known as clear lens extraction (CLE) is gaining popularity as an option for people over 40 who want to decrease or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts and who are not good LASIK candidates. Like LASIK, this is an elective procedure.
The aging process causes several issues for the clarity of your vision. When we are young our natural lenses are very soft and elastic. As we age this lens loses elasticity making seeing more difficult. Some people over the age of 40 will begin to experience hyperopia or farsightedness and maybe presbyopia and require bifocal glasses to see anything.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive Lens Exchange is a corrective procedure where the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, similar to cataract surgery. Currently, this procedure is for people with moderate to high degrees of nearsightedness, or farsightedness.
You may be a candidate for a multifocal IOL if you:
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- Are not a good LASIK candidate
- Desire to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses
- Are over the age of 40 and need bifocals or reading glasses
- Are over the age of 60 and starting to develop cataracts
- If you are over the age of 18 and have a high prescription
If you are interested in this procedure, please contact our Refractive Surgery Coordinator for more information at 563-323-9999 or LASIKinquiries@eyesurgeonspc.com. This is surgery and risks exist. Your doctor and their team will counsel you regarding risks specific to your eye and your general health.
