Alternative Vision Correction Options for LASIK
March 2, 2018
It is very possible that if you wear contact lenses or glasses at some point in your life, you have also thought about LASIK eye surgery! It is a very common correctional procedure done to reshape the cornea, with results that baffle most patients as they are able to see clearly for the very first time with just their own eyes! But did you know that this procedure is not for everyone? Before you get excited about your new eyesight by means of LASIK eye surgery, take the time to read this article to become more acquainted with whether you have the right eyes for this or not.
There are four main points to examine on yourself before you can really think about LASIK. It is important to remember that there is never a “one-size fits all solution,” and in the optic world this carried through to LASIK eye surgery. You would do well to think about corneal thickness, dry-eye, age, and lifestyle. Of course, it is always best to discuss with your optometrist to really be sure what is best for you. In the case that LASIK is not right for you, don’t worry! There are other vision solutions for you!
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
If your issues include extreme nearsightedness, severe dry eye or thin corneas, LASIK is not right for you, but another solution may be implantable contact lenses. In a quick and painless outpatient procedure, an implantable contact lens is exactly what it sounds like! One implanted the lens will seldom be seen or felt, and you can rest assured knowing that, if necessary, the implant is very easily taken out!
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
One of the most exciting procedures on the market today is refractive lens exchange. It is unique in that it not only helps those with nearsightedness or farsightedness, but both! The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery in that it is an outpatient procedure as well, only lasting 15 minutes while your doctor replaces the natural lens with an IOL. Most patients can return to their normal life after 1 or 2 days.