Surgical Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK eye surgery is not for everyone. For those who don't want the expense or risks of LASIK, or have other restrictions, there are options. You could have different surgeries using a laser or a scalpel, a combination of surgeries, the new and improved contact lenses, or just stick with eyeglasses. This article discusses surgical alternatives to LASIK.It seems like alphabet soup, but these are other surgical options. Sometimes a combination of these therapies could be the best plan for your eyesight, instead of LASIK eye surgery.

Radial Keratotomy (RK)

RK is one of the earlier corneal surgeries. Slits are cut into the cornea with a diamond scalpel, changing its shape. It is not as predictable as LASIK eye surgery and is only used for nearsightedness.Laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK)  In LTK, heat from holmium laser light reshapes the eye by shrinking tissue in 16 places on the cornea. It has about two years of effectiveness and is for farsightedness, with or without astigmatism in those over 40. It is less invasive than LASIK eye surgery.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK predates LASIK by a few years. The same type of laser is used, but there is no cutting of a flap. The corneal surface layer is removed, then the stroma is reshaped. The initial recovery is not as fast as with LASIK eye surgery, but results are generally the same within six months. Some PRK recipients continue to need glasses for distance vision.

Corneal Ring Segments

Another refractive surgery that does not use a laser like LASIK is the insertion of Corneal Ring Segments into the stroma. These tiny, clear polymer implants correct slight nearsightedness by flattening the cornea.

Clear Lens Extraction

Used to treat farsightedness and nearsightedness, the eye's lens is removed and an artificial lens inserted. An advantage is that the cataract surgery it resembles is familiar to many surgeons. This procedure is for severe nearsightedness and does not use a laser.Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) IOL treats farsightedness and nearsightedness by inserting a lens in front of the pupil or between the iris and lens, leaving the eye's natural lens intact. used For extremely high myopia, IOL is only available in the US through clinical trials.

Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)

In ALK, a microkeratome, as used in LASIK, creates a flap in the cornea to allow removal of a thin disc of stroma. The size of this disc determines the change in vision. This procedure can correct severe myopia and hyperopia, but is not as predictable as some others.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

A non-laser surgery FDA approved in 2002 for treating farsightedness, radio frequency energy shrinks corneal collagen. There may be visual fluctuations for the first couple of weeks. Effects last for at least two years. Unfortunately, astigmatism may develop.

Micro-thin Prescription Inserts (INTACS)

Two small bits of plastic placed into the stroma stretch and flatten the cornea. The small incision may be closed by a suture. INTACS can be removed or changed. This procedure is for nearsightedness with or without slight astigmatism.

These are the current surgical alternatives to LASIK eye surgery. In addition, in new protocols, a surgeon may use multiple procedures to treat people who have severe nearsightedness.
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