Would you believe that the very first eye surgery operation was performed way back in 1735? This proves that vision health, issues, and remedies have been a centuries-old focus. And while the advances that have been made in science, education, and technology have made eye surgery a frequently performed procedure in 2022, the reality is that not everyone can have this operation. If you’ve been considering LASIK eye surgery, find out first if you are in fact an eligible candidate.

You are probably NOT a good candidate for refractive surgery if:

To begin, let’s discuss specific vision-related problems that would disqualify someone from seeking LASIK eye surgery:

• A prospective patient who has severe dry eye would be discouraged from this operation, as this specialized surgery would only make the condition worse. Once the operation has been completed, the ability to produce tears to lubricate the eye is temporarily decreased. Someone who has severe dry eye would be at risk for hurting – not healing – his or her vision.
• An irregularly shaped cornea is another issue that would work against the patient. This condition is known as keratoconus, which happens when the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward and becomes cone-shaped. (As of this writing, there is no cure for keratoconus, and it can only be treated.)
• Glaucoma and cataracts are two other conditions that would make eye surgery a risky operation.
• Now, where other health issues are concerned, anyone who is afflicted with an autoimmune disease – which includes rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and psoriasis, among others – should consider finding an alternative solution for improving their ability to see.

LASIK Alternatives

At SightMD in Rockville Centre, we offer a range of surgical options for vision correction. Depending on your individual needs and goals, one of these vision correction procedures could be perfect for you:

EVO Visian ICL Lens™

EVO Visian ICL Lens is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that offers many benefits, especially for patients who cannot have LASIK due to a high level of myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas or dry eye. EVO Visian ICL does not cause dry eye symptoms.^[1] EVO Visian ICL also offers UV protection and 99.4% of EVO ICL patients surveyed say they would have the procedure again.^[2]

EVO Visian ICL is implanted behind the iris (colored part of your eye) in front of the eye’s natural lens during a procedure that lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients experience near-immediate vision improvement with minimal recovery time and do not see or feel it once it is in place. Unlike LASIK, which permanently changes the shape of the cornea, EVO Visian ICL is an additive technology that can be removed by your doctor, if needed. Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 with moderate to severe nearsightedness (prescription between –3D and –20D) and a prescription that has been stable for at least one year. EVO Toric Visian ICL can also treat the same range of nearsightedness with up to 4.0 D of astigmatism.

PRK

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery in which an outer layer of the surface of the eye is removed in order to avoid an incision in the cornea. Like LASIK, a laser is then used to reshape the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. Visual improvement and recovery time may take a bit longer than LASIK or EVO Visian ICL procedures, but is still a great option for many people.

PRK may be an option for patients who cannot have LASIK due to thin corneas, depending on the level of nearsightedness and corneal thickness. D. Ideal candidates for PRK are over 18 and have had a stable prescription for at least one year.

RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a vision correction surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE can correct a range of vision errors depending on the type of IOL that is chosen. This procedure is identical to cataract surgery and is typically performed on one eye at a time.

Choosing the Right Vision Correction Surgery

There are many factors to consider when choosing a vision correction procedure. The best choice for you will depend on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the types of benefits you are seeking. An experienced eye doctor can explain your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.