Alternatives to LASIK

Dallas, Texas

LASIK is the most popular type of laser vision correction surgery in the United States. But not all patients are good candidates for LASIK. The Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas offers a number of excellent alternatives to LASIK.

To determine the best type of vision correction for you, a thorough vision consultation will be performed, and each of your alternatives will be discussed so you can make an informed decision. Many alternatives are available that offer benefits similar to LASIK but without surgery.

Surgical and Non-Surgical LASIK Alternatives

Conductive Keratoplasty
Best suited for the treatment of hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (age-related vision loss), Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) uses radio waves to reshape the cornea for better vision.

ICLs
Implantable Collamer Lens are thin, flexible lenses implanted in the eye to provide permanent vision improvement. ICL lenses correct extreme nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism and for individuals who do not qualify for LASIK.

LASEK
LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses laser energy to reshape and correct vision. LASEK lifts the extremely thin epithelial layer from the eye's surface before reshaping the cornea, then the preserved epithelium is replaced on the  surface of the eye.

Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure best suited for patients with thin corneas or specific corneal disorders. Epi-LASIK combines the best features of LASIK, PRK and LASEK.

PRK
PRK is useful for nearsighted and farsighted individuals. Performed with an excimer laser that uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove tiny pieces of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea, PRK helps light to focus on the retina in a way that provides clearer vision.

Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a non-invasive procedure for nearsightedness that involves wearing special lenses during sleep to gently reshape the eye’s surface. When the lenses are removed, the patient can see more clearly for a day or two. To get the full benefit, the lenses must be worn at night. For individuals suffering from myopia, (nearsightedness), orthokeratology offers a non-surgical way to reshape the cornea to allow light to focus properly on the retina, with the end result of improved vision.

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses allow more oxygen to pass through the lens to encourage healthy corneas. Because of this, silicone hydrogel lenses can be worn for extended periods, up to 30 days, with no adverse effects on eye health.

Multifocal Lenses
Some people have difficulty seeing objects or fine print close-up. With other individuals, this may be due to presbyopia, age-related vision loss. Many people wear bifocal eyeglasses to see both near and far comfortably. Other conditions can also cause people of all ages to need help seeing close up. Multifocal lenses allow focusing using different prescriptions for different distances, accomplished with only one lens.

Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses, also referred to as "no-line bifocals," eliminate visible lines found on traditional bifocal or trifocal eyeglasses. Progressive lenses are more fashionable, and no one has to know you need reading glasses, because progressive lenses look just like the lenses in regular eyeglasses.

Regardless of your vision needs, Carter Eye Center has the solution that will work for you. With today’s advanced diagnostics and modern technology, there is no reason not to enjoy clear, sharp vision well into your senior years. Please contact Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your vision consultation.