LASIK is an incredible procedure that can restore vision for most patients, but not everyone is a candidate. Patients with slightly thin or irregular corneas, moderate to high nearsightedness (myopia) and/or astigmatism, a family history of certain corneal disease, dry eyes, or extremely active lifestyles may not be able to get LASIK. But LASIK isn’t the only option! PRK and ICL surgery can provide outcomes equivalent to LASIK surgery.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This procedure allows patients with dry eyes or extremely active lifestyles to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Your ophthalmologist uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting how light is focused when it enters the eye. Like LASIK, PRK can reduce or even eliminate the need for contacts and glasses. Candidates for PRK should be 18 (ideally 21) or older with a stable prescription for at least the past year, with overall good eye health.

Getting PRK is an easy process. First your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes to ensure you’re a good candidate. The procedure itself only takes about 15 minutes. Afterwards you’ll wear a bandage over the eye for healing, and be asked to take it easy for up to a week. You’ll also need to use eye drops to assist with healing for about a month. Additionally, you’ll wear protective sunglasses until your doctor gives the all clear.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

This procedure, also known as VO Implantable Collamer or Interocular Contact Lens, implants a contact lens permanently into the eye to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism. It’s a great option for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes.

Your doctor will determine which type of lens, either a soft or intraocular lens, is required for your unique eyes. Similar to LASIK and PRK, the ICL procedure only takes about 15 minutes per eye. Since the surgery is minimally invasive, most patients recover very quickly. You’ll see results immediately, and your eye can be back to normal function within 24 hours. You’ll do a follow up appointment with your doctor the next day and use eyedrops to assist in the healing process.

A Suite of Solutions

At Vision Quest Medical Center we offer these solutions in addition to LASIK and Cataract Surgery. Our board certified surgeons have decades of experience working with patients to find the solution with the best vision outcomes. Schedule an appointment below to get started on your journey to clear vision!