Not a LASIK Candidate? Exploring Alternatives Like PRK, SMILE Pro, and ICL

LASIK is widely regarded as the gold standard in laser vision correction. Custom Bladeless LASIK, as offered at Clearview Vision Institute, is a safe, precise, and highly effective procedure that has helped countless patients. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or struggle with astigmatism, LASIK can help you achieve clear, reliable vision for life.

However, LASIK is still not suitable for everyone. If you have insufficient corneal thickness, an extremely high-strength prescription, chronic dry eye, or live an active lifestyle, you may need to consider an alternative procedure to LASIK.

Even if LASIK is not the right option for you, vision correction is not off the table. Alternatives such as PRK, ZEISS SMILE Pro, and ICL surgery offer safe, effective solutions for patients who do not qualify for LASIK.

Who is LASIK not right for?

LASIK remains the most common vision corrective procedure. It’s extremely safe, effective, and reliable, and it’s helped millions of people see clearly. Nonetheless, even the best surgeries have limitations and aren’t right for everyone. It’s very important to have an in-depth consultation with Clearview Vision Institute to determine your candidacy for any laser eye surgery.

To qualify for LASIK, you must:

• Have a stable prescription. If your prescription has changed in the last year, you cannot get LASIK (or any other laser eye surgery).
• Have overall good eye health with no diseases or infection.
• Have sufficient corneal thickness. Otherwise, your eyes will not be able to withstand the creation of a corneal flap.
• Not have an extreme refractive error or very high prescription.

Exploring LASIK Alternatives

Fortunately, there are many types of vision correction procedures available today. You can find the right surgery for your eyes, health, lifestyle, and goals. If you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK—or if LASIK doesn’t align with your lifestyle—then you should consider PRK, ZEISS SMILE Pro, or ICL surgery.

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a form of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. During surgery, a laser removes the outer epithelial layer to access and sculpt the inner corneal tissues (the stromal surface). In doing so, the cornea becomes a more spherical shape. This corrects the common refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Advantages

• PRK eye surgery is suitable for those with thinner (or structurally unique) corneas, mild surface irregularities, and large pupils.
• It can correct a higher degree of nearsightedness and farsightedness.
• There is no flap creation, so there are no flap-related complications.
• PRK is a good alternative for athletes or individuals involved in contact sports because the procedure preserves the eye’s structural integrity.
• PRK also offers long-term vision stability.

Disadvantages

• The recovery time is longer compared to LASIK. Complete recovery can take up to three months.
• You may experience some discomfort during the initial healing phase.
• Mild vision fluctuations can continue to occur for up to three months.

Candidacy

Custom PRK, offered at Clearview Vision Institute, is a good option for those who are not candidates for LASIK. If you were disqualified for LASIK because of a thin cornea, a structurally unique cornea, large pupils, or higher-order aberration, then you should speak to your surgeon about Custom PRK.

ZEISS SMILE Pro

ZEISS SMILE Pro is the latest advancement in SMILE laser eye surgeries. It uses a groundbreaking laser to first make a tiny incision in the cornea. Then, it cuts away a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) and removes it through the incision. This changes the cornea’s curvature, correcting refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Advantages

• It does not require a corneal flap, eliminating the risk of flap-related complications.
• Dry eye syndrome is a less common side effect than with LASIK.
• ZEISS SMILE Pro is a good option for athletes and those with active lifestyles because more corneal tissue is preserved, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the cornea.
• It is a more comfortable procedure due to the short active laser exposure and the small incision.
• SMILE Pro has a quick recovery time.
• You will notice almost immediate improvements to your vision.

Disadvantages

• Those with very thin or irregular corneas may not be candidates.
• It is not suitable for those with extremely high prescriptions.

Candidacy

Clearview Vision Institute is among the first Canadian vision correction clinics to offer ZEISS SMILE Pro. This advanced procedure is ideal for those with active lifestyles, physically demanding work, and sufficient corneal thickness.

ICL Surgery (Implantable Contact Lenses)

Clearview Vision Institute provides EVO Visian ICL, which is at the forefront of refractive eye surgery. Implantable lenses are placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, integrating seamlessly into the eye’s natural anatomy. EVO Visian lenses have exceptional biocompatibility, reducing the risk of rejection. Unlike the other vision correction procedures, ICL does not reshape the cornea.

Advantages

• ICL is ideal for those with very thin or irregular corneas.
• It’s also suitable for patients with extremely high prescriptions.
• Those with chronic dry eye can get ICL surgery because there is minimal damage to the eye’s corneal nerves.
• UV protection is built into the lens.
• Implantable contact lenses are reversible, making them a good option for those who are uncomfortable with the idea of permanently changing their eyes. The lenses can be removed if needed or desired.

Disadvantages

• Since the lens is implanted into the eye, it is an invasive procedure.
• ICLs can increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Candidacy

EVO Visian ICL surgery is best for those with moderate to high nearsightedness or farsightedness, particularly those with thin corneas, irregular corneas, or chronic dry eyes. It also appeals to those who are hesitant to permanently change their eyes with LASIK, SMILE Pro, or PRK vision correction.

LASIK Alternatives at Clearview Vision Institute

Clearview Vision Institute has a long history of introducing advanced vision correction procedures to Canada, offering patients access to the latest and most effective treatment options.

With expertise in LASIK, PRK, ZEISS SMILE Pro, and EVO Visian ICL, our team provides a comprehensive perspective on vision correction in Toronto. We’re happy to help you find the right procedure for your eyes and lifestyle.

To request more information on LASIK alternatives, call Clearview Vision Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.