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 .
For more information, read our blog post "Who should have PRK?"
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.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses
Discover if you can be free from glasses and contact lenses
The best way to find out if laser eye treatment is right for you is to have a free assessment. We’ll examine your eyes and you’ll get a clear answer from our team on your suitability and laser vision correction options.
Hi, I’m Dr Aanchal Gupta, a specialist laser eye and cataract surgeon in Adelaide.
For more than 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses, having performed more than 15,000 eye procedures.
Vision correction requires precision, experience and sound clinical judgement. Achieving consistently excellent outcomes depends not only on advanced technology, but also on the expertise of the surgeon using it.
I understand that choosing eye surgery is an important decision. Every person’s eyes—and visual needs—are different, so treatment should be carefully tailored to your eye health, lifestyle and goals.
Your complimentary initial assessment is an opportunity to explore your suitability, learn about the options available and have your questions answered without obligation.
I look forward to welcoming you to IVISION LASER in Adelaide and helping you discover what may be possible for your vision.
Dr Aanchal Gupta
MBBS, M.Med. (Ophth. Sci.), Grad. Dip. (Refract. Surg.), FRANZCO, FWCRS&VS
Specialist Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon
