Unfit for LASIK? Discover Other Types of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK is so well known worldwide that many people believe it’s the only form of laser eye surgery. It may have been the pioneering method, but other laser eye surgery options are as safe and suitable for some people.

So, if you’re not an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery, discover your other options.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is by far the most well-known and common type of laser eye surgery. Millions of people around the world have had successful LASIK eye surgeries and loved the freedom of not wearing glasses or contacts. But LASIK eye surgery isn’t for everyone.

Why You May Not Be a Good Candidate for LASIK

There are several reasons why a laser eye surgeon will recommend a person not undergo LASIK eye surgery.

 

Thin Cornea

The main reason is thin corneas. LASIK involves cutting a flap in the cornea, and when it isn’t thick enough, creating the flap can be problematic. 

 

Eye Health

For LASIK eye surgery to be successful, you need good eye health. Having an eye disease or infection can inhibit the surgery’s success and/or increase risk of further complications. Depending on the condition, if your eyes’ health improves in future, you may become a candidate for LASIK.

 

Unstable Vision

To qualify for LASIK eye surgery, your vision needs to be stable. This means no changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription for at least one year. You may become a candidate for LASIK when your eyes have stabilised.

 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It’s not just for LASIK; the recommendation is for women to have all kinds of laser eye surgery either before they fall pregnant or after they finish breastfeeding. Hormones fluctuate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can alter the cornea’s curvature.

Different Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Want to find out which type of laser eye surgery is right for you? Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today.

SmartSight Laser Eye Surgery

SmartSight is a type of Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx) laser eye surgery that creates a very thin piece of corneal tissue (known as a lenticule) in the cornea, which is removed through a small incision. No flap is created in the cornea like other forms of laser eye surgery.

SmartSight has several benefits over LASIK eye surgery. It’s minimally invasive and has a low risk of complications. Fewer patients suffer dry eyes after SmartSight compared to other types of laser eye surgery. The cornea is changed to the ideal shape by creating a 3mm keyhole, which repairs itself quickly. The surgery is completed within 20 minutes and is painless due to numbing eye drops. While the technology is considered new, it has been around for over ten years, and the procedure has been performed millions of times worldwide.

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) is laser ablation on the cornea’s surface, rather than under a flap like LASIK. PRK is very similar to LASIK and is a common type of eye surgery for older adults. The downside of PRK is that it has a slower recovery time than LASIK and can be more uncomfortable afterwards. Vision improvement is gradual with PRK, and the outcome can take several weeks. Despite being used on patients with thin corneas, the success rates of PRK surgery are high and it’s extremely safe.

Next Step to Laser Eye Surgery

Don’t give up on your dream of being free of glasses and contact lenses just because you aren’t fit for LASIK. Other forms of safe and effective laser eye surgery have been developed and perfected since the introduction of LASIK.

All forms of laser eye surgery carry a small amount of risk, but talking to your surgeon can help ease any concerns you may have.

At Lions Laser Vision we use the latest technology and employ some of Perth’s most skilled laser eye surgeons. If you would like to discuss your options, schedule a consultation today.

Contact Lions Laser Vision

Please call us at Lions Laser Vision and speak with one of our clinical coordinators who will be able to answer your questions and schedule an initial consultation with one of our refractive surgeons.

Alternatively, complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

PHONE: 08 9381 0758
FAX: 08 9381 0700

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Lions Eye Institute

Lions Laser Vision
1st Floor,
2 Verdun Street
Nedlands WA 6009

St John of God Murdoch
Murdoch Medical Centre

Suite 4B,
Ground Floor,
100 Murdoch Dr
Murdoch WA 6150