LASIK Alternatives: Are Phakic IOLs Right for You?
Dr. Jonathan Woolfson
LASIK receives the majority of attention when it comes to vision correction surgery, but PRK is the laser vision correction alternative that is often recommended for patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. Is Phakic IOL vision correction Right for You?
For patients who are not candidates for either of these laser vision correction options, phakic intraocular lenses are often a viable alternative. At Woolfson Eye Institute, our goal is to match each patient with the best treatment option.
What are the differences between LASIK and phakic IOLs?
Laser vision correction (which includes both LASIK and PRK) can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery involves creating a thin flap on the cornea and reshaping the exposed tissue to improve the eye’s focus.
A phakic intraocular lens (P- IOL) procedure is most commonly used when a patient is not a candidate for LASIK due to extreme nearsightedness. The P-IOL implant is surgically placed inside the eye, just in front of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. This P-IOL, which has the appearance of a soft contact lens, is undetectable to others, and is a permanent vision correction alternative.
Phakic IOL surgery is similar to LASIK in recovery time, with patients typically back to work and resuming a normal schedule within a few days of their treatment.
Which Option is Best for You?
Most patients who wear glasses or contacts and are under 50 years old are successful in qualifying for LASIK. Some of these patients are better suited for PRK or P-IOLs. For the over-50 crowd, LASIK and PRK are often options, but sometimes it makes more sense to offer the kind of lens implants that are used for cataract patients.
The only way to definitively determine which procedure is best for you is a refractive surgery evaluation, so schedule an exam here with one of our eye doctors at Woolfson LASIK. If they can’t offer you LASIK, they should be able to tell you what, if anything, can be done to resolve your vision problem.
Contact us to discuss your options
Dr. Jonathan Woolfson, along with the rest of the team at Woolfson Eye Institute, have helped thousands of individuals improve their vision by matching them with the best vision correction solution for their unique vision problem.
LASIK is not the answer for everyone, and vision correction is not a “one size fits all” solution. We offer a wide variety of procedures to improve your vision, and ask that you schedule a consultation at a location nearest you. Learn how we can give you your best vision at any age. Don’t wait— the first step to better vision is here. Contact us today!