LASIK Alternatives

Alternatives to LASIK include PRK, SMILE, and ICL for surgical options, and glasses, contact lenses for non-surgical solutions. PRK and SMILE are laser procedures for those with thin corneas or dry eyes. ICL implants lenses inside the eye. Non-surgical choices suit those not ready for surgery or seeking reversibility.

The full answer

LASIK is one of the most well-known types of laser eye surgery. For many people, it offers a chance to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses but it’s not suitable for everyone. Factors such as dry eyes, thin corneas, or certain prescriptions may mean another form of vision correction is more appropriate, and we’ll explain why in more detail below.

Thankfully, LASIK isn’t the only option. A number of alternatives exist, ranging from other laser procedures like PRK and SMILE, to implantable lenses such as ICL, and even non-surgical options like glasses or contacts.

This article aims to provide you with a clear and balanced overview of these alternatives. Maybe you’re exploring surgery or perhaps you’re weighing up your available options. Perhaps LASIK healing time is a concern for you.

If you decide LASIK might be an option for you, get in touch with us at IVISION LASER to arrange a consultation for LASIK in Adelaide. Whatever your situation, this article is here to help you make informed decisions in consultation with your eye specialist.

Why consider an alternative to LASIK?

While LASIK is effective for many, some people may be advised to consider other options based on their eye health, visual needs, or lifestyle.

Common reasons lasik may not be suitable:

• Dry eyes: LASIK can sometimes exacerbate dry eye symptoms, so those with pre-existing dryness may benefit from an alternative approach¹https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/the-current-state-of-smile-vs-lasik#:~:text=early%20postoperative%20period,Typically%2C%20corneal%20reinnervation%20takes%20place .
• Thin corneas: LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue. If the cornea is already thin, for example due to keratoconus, other procedures may be safer²https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/in-depth/lasik-surgery/art-20045751#:~:text=Younger%20people%20with%20high%20degrees,routine%20option%20for%20most%20people .
• High or irregular prescriptions: People with very strong prescriptions or unusual corneal shapes may fall outside the ideal range for LASIK³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555970/#article-35813.s9 .

An individual assessment is essential to determine what’s suitable. Your eye specialist will review a range of factors, including corneal thickness and shape, tear film quality, prescription stability, age, and general eye health⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555970/#article-35813.s9 .

Surgical alternatives to LASIK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery and remains a well-established alternative to LASIK⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-eye-surgery . It works by reshaping the cornea’s surface using an excimer laser, but unlike LASIK, it doesn’t involve creating a flap. Instead, the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed before treatment and regrows during recovery⁶ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-eye-surgery .

Key Points:

• No flap (avoids flap-related complications)
• May suit people with thin corneas⁷ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-eye-surgery
• Longer recovery time compared to LASIK (vision stabilises over days to weeks)

PRK may be recommended when preserving corneal structure is a priority⁸ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-eye-surgery .

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a newer, minimally invasive laser procedure that corrects vision through a keyhole incision less than 4mm long⁹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery in the cornea. It removes a small disc of tissue (a lenticule) to reshape the eye.

Key Points:

• Flap-free approach - suitable for people concerned about flap movement or dry eyes¹⁰ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery
• Often used for myopia and some astigmatism¹¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery
• May be a good option for those with active lifestyles ¹² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery as avoids corneal flap complications
• Not currently used to correct long-sightedness¹³ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25076-smile-eye-surgery

SMILE may be considered when someone is eligible for LASIK but wants a flapless alternative.

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

ICL is a non-laser surgical option. It involves placing a thin, flexible lens inside the eye – between the iris and the eye’s natural lens¹⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery . This lens works much like a contact lens, except it stays in the eye long term.

Key Points:

• No corneal reshaping - preserves corneal structure, so suitable for people with thin corneas¹⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery
• Reversible - the lens can be removed if needed¹⁶ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery
• Often considered for people with high prescriptions for nearsigtedness¹⁷ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery
• May be suitable when laser surgery is not recommended¹⁸ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery

ICL may be particularly helpful for those who are not eligible for LASIK or PRK, or who prefer a reversible solution.

Non-surgical alternatives to LASIK

Surgical options aren’t right for everyone. Many people continue to rely on non-surgical methods to manage their vision safely and effectively.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Still a popular and practical choice, glasses and contacts offer flexibility and adaptability as prescriptions change. They remain a reliable option for those who may not be ready or eligible for surgery.

Key Points:

• Non-permanent - if you stop wearing the lenses, your cornea returns to its original shape¹⁹ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-orthokeratology
• Often used for short-sightedness (myopia)
• ²⁰ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-orthokeratology
• May suit younger patients (including children) whose vision has not yet stabilised as well as those not ready for surgery
• ²¹ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/what-is-orthokeratology

Deciding what’s right for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to vision correction. The best choice depends on your eye health, visual goals, lifestyle, and whether you’re comfortable with a surgical or non-surgical approach.

A personalised consultation includes tests to assess your cornea, tear film, prescription stability, and overall eye health. Based on this, your specialist can outline your options clearly and answer any questions you might have.

How IVISION LASER helps you make an informed choice

At IVISION LASER in Adelaide, we focus on providing detailed assessments and honest advice. Whether LASIK is right for you, or you’re better suited to PRK, SMILE, ICL or non-surgical options, our goal is to help you understand your choices without pressure.

Conclusion: Exploring your options with confidence

LASIK is just one of several options available for vision correction. If you’ve been told LASIK may not be suitable, or if you simply want to understand the alternatives, there are other safe, effective treatments to explore.

Booking a consultation at IVISION LASER in Adelaide or your local eye specialist is a great way to start that process. We’ll help you understand what’s possible based on your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals – so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.