Not a candidate for LASIK? Here Are Your Best Alternatives

Laser vision correction has helped millions achieve clearer sight without glasses or contacts. However, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. If you’ve been told LASIK isn’t right for you, several effective alternatives can still provide excellent vision correction.

Why am I not a candidate for LASIK?

While LASIK remains the most popular form of vision correction, certain factors may make it unsuitable for some individuals. You may not be a candidate for LASIK if you have:

Thin or irregular corneas – LASIK reshapes the cornea, so if your corneas are too thin, the procedure may not be safe.

Severe dry eye syndrome – LASIK can sometimes worsen dry eye symptoms, making it uncomfortable for those already prone to dryness.

A high prescription – If you have extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, LASIK may not provide optimal correction.

Keratoconus or other corneal conditions – Certain corneal disorders can make LASIK unsafe or ineffective.

Frequent prescription changes – If your vision is still changing, LASIK may not provide long-lasting results.

Fortunately, even if you’re not eligible for LASIK, there are alternative procedures that can still help you achieve clearer vision.

Best Alternatives if You’re Not a Candidate for LASIK

If LASIK isn’t an option for you, consider these three effective alternatives:

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive laser procedure that reshapes the cornea by removing a small disc of tissue through a tiny incision. It offers a less invasive approach with benefits such as:

Less impact on the corneal surface, reducing dry eye risk.
Faster healing compared to LASIK.
Effective treatment for moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness).

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK was the original laser eye surgery and remains a reliable alternative for those with thin corneas. Unlike LASIK, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) before reshaping it with a laser. Benefits of PRK include:

Suitable for people with thin or irregular corneas.
No risk of flap-related complications.
Effective for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The main drawback of PRK is a longer recovery time compared to LASIK, as the epithelium needs time to regenerate.

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

For those who aren’t candidates for corneal reshaping procedures, EVO ICL offers an excellent alternative. This procedure involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye to improve vision. Benefits include:

Does not remove corneal tissue, making it ideal for thin corneas.
Provides clear, sharp vision with a high degree of precision.
Good for patients with dry eye
Can be removed or replaced if desired, although rarely needed.

EVO ICL is particularly beneficial for individuals with high myopia who are not suitable for LASIK or SMILE.

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Are the results of other options as good as LASIK?

Yes, all three of these LASIK alternatives—SMILE, PRK, and EVO ICL—can provide comparable results. Each procedure has advantages depending on your specific vision needs and eye health. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better with these procedures, just as they would with LASIK.

PRK and SMILE both use laser technology to reshape the cornea, similar to LASIK, while EVO ICL provides a lens-based solution that delivers high-quality vision with excellent contrast sensitivity. Your eye doctor can help determine which option will give you the best results based on your prescription and eye structure.

How long will my results last after vision correction?

The longevity of your results depends on the procedure you choose and your overall eye health.

SMILE and PRK results are permanent, as they reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. However, natural changes in vision due to aging (such as presbyopia) may still occur over time. EVO ICL results are also long-lasting, however the lens implant is reversible and can be removed in case of a prescription change.

SMILE, PRK, and EVO ICL each offer a safe, effective alternative way to achieve clearer vision without LASIK. A consultation with an experienced vision correction specialist like Dr. Wu can help determine the best treatment option for your unique vision needs.