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July 31, 2023
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, other refractive surgeries, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or an EVO implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure, are available. Both are outpatient procedures that can be completed in under an hour.
Many OOMC eye centers perform these refractive surgery options and can help you see better, without relying on glasses or disposable contacts.
Our experts will work with you to determine which surgery option may be right for your lifestyle. Before you schedule a visit, learn about both options below.
Photorefractive keratectomy is a refractive surgery designed to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism.
PRK has extremely similar results to LASIK. It’s most commonly used for patients who have dry or thin corneas.
The PRK procedure takes about ten minutes and uses laser technology to remove or reshape part of the cornea. This reshaping improves how light is focused on the retina, improving vision.
While PRK and LASIK both use lasers to improve eyesight, the methods are slightly different. Recovery from PRK surgery may also be somewhat slower than LASIK.
PRK surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea, without the flap commonly used in LASIK procedures. For the first three days after surgery, you’ll need to wear a bandage contact lens.
With the PRK surgery, the cornea slowly grows back on its own post-surgery to help patients see more clearly, without glasses or contacts.
Those with a very active lifestyle or job, such as a police officer or a professional athlete, may benefit more from having PRK.
Your surgeon will discuss all options with you at your free consultation and help you determine the best procedure for you.
An implantable contact lens, also known as an implantable collamer lens, procedure is another alternative to LASIK.
During this procedure, an implanted lens—made of biocompatible material—is placed in the eye, between the iris and natural lens.
The best candidates for EVO ICL surgery include those with a thin cornea, dry eyes, irregular astigmatism, or a very high prescription.
An EVO ICL placement takes twenty to thirty minutes. The EVO ICL lens is designed to help correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. It can even help prevent dry eye.
When performed at an OOMC eye facility, the EVO ICL surgery uses an EVO Visian Implantable Collamer™ Lens.
A LASIK procedure creates a flap and reshapes the cornea, often using a bladeless laser.
An EVO ICL procedure does not reshape the cornea or remove any material from your eye. Instead, it implants the contact lens to improve your vision. There’s only a microscopic incision for the lens placement and is also a reversible procedure.
LASIK isn’t the only surgery that can improve your eyesight.
If you’re interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate for a photorefractive keratectomy or implantable contact lens procedure, schedule an appointment at an OOMC eye center.
Our eye specialists will examine your eyes, discuss your surgery options, and help you see better.
Contact one of our centers nearest to you for further information.
Corneal Associates of New Jersey
Kremer Eye Center
Ludwick Eye Center
Eye Care Northwest
