LASIK Alternatives

Not everyone is a perfect candidate for LASIK and that’s perfectly okay. At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, we offer several proven alternatives to help you achieve clear vision* tailored to your eye health and lifestyle.

Why LASIK May Not Be Right for Everyone

LASIK is an exceptional refractive surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It reshapes your cornea using blade‑free lasers and typically requires removing less tissue than the width of a human hair.

However, during a free consultation, our expert team evaluates factors like corneal thickness, pupil size, eye health, and overall medical history and may determine that LASIK isn’t the best option for some patients.

LASIK Alternatives Available at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun

If LASIK isn’t the right fit, here are the alternatives we may recommend:

1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
   
   • Uses the same excimer laser as LASIK to reshape the cornea, but removes only the outer epithelial layer rather than creating a corneal flap.
   • Recommended for patients with thinner corneas who may not be ideal LASIK candidates.
   • Requires a few days off work to allow the outer layer to regrow, but remains a highly effective and long-standing procedure.
     
2. EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens)
   
   • A thin, biocompatible lens implanted inside your eye, not on your cornea.
   • Ideal for patients with nearsightedness or astigmatism who have thin corneas or dry eyes.
   • Offers immediate visual improvement and includes built-in UV protection.
   • The lens works with your eye’s natural chemistry, and cannot be seen once implanted.
     
3. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
   
   • Similar to cataract surgery, but performed even if your natural lens is clear.
   • Removes your natural lens via a small incision and inserts a customized intraocular lens (IOL).
   • Prevents future cataract development while improving vision.
   • A typical recovery time is about one week.

Which Option Might Be Ideal for You?

Candidate Profile	Potential Alternative(s)
Thin corneas or dry eyes	PRK
Nearsightedness or astigmatism; thin corneas	EVO ICL™
Prefers a permanent solution and cataract prevention	Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Each of these alternatives has unique benefits – from avoiding corneal tissue removal to providing UV protection or preventing future cataracts – with varying recovery times and procedural differences.

Take the Next Step

Isolating the best vision correction path starts with understanding your eyes. At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, we use advanced diagnostics and provide personalized recommendations, whether you’re considering LASIK or an alternative.

Ready to explore your options? Take our free LASIK Candidacy Quiz or request a free consultation. We’ll walk you through which option aligns best with your vision goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.

*Vision results may vary.