What Happens If You Aren’t a LASIK Candidate?
LASIK is one of the most popular and effective procedures for correcting vision, with millions of people achieving freedom from glasses and contacts. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK. If you've been told you're not eligible, it can be disappointing—but it’s far from the end of the road.
At Lasik Vision Centers of Cleveland, we understand that every patient’s eyes are unique. The good news? There are several alternative vision correction options that may be right for you. Let’s explore why someone might not qualify for LASIK and what options are available instead.
Why You Might Not Be a Candidate for LASIK
There are a few common reasons someone may be considered ineligible for LASIK:
- Thin or irregular corneas: LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, so there needs to be enough corneal tissue for a safe outcome.
- Severe dry eye syndrome: LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Unstable prescription: If your vision has changed significantly in the past year, LASIK may need to wait.
- High refractive error: LASIK works best for mild to moderate prescriptions. Very high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may require a different approach.
- Certain eye conditions or overall health concerns: Cataracts, keratoconus, uncontrolled diabetes, or autoimmune diseases can affect candidacy.
What Are the Alternatives to LASIK?
Fortunately, there are several advanced procedures that may be better suited to your eyes and lifestyle.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a great alternative to LASIK for patients with thin corneas or those who engage in contact sports. The main difference is that PRK surgery doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed before reshaping. The recovery is slightly longer, but the visual outcomes are just as strong. - Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)
ICL is ideal for patients with very high prescriptions or those with thin corneas. Instead of reshaping the cornea, this procedure involves implanting a lens inside the eye—like a permanent contact lens. It’s reversible, biocompatible, and offers crisp, high-definition vision. - Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
For patients over 40, RLE is a popular option. It’s similar to cataract surgery and involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with a clear artificial one. It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). RLE may be a great option if you're starting to use reading glasses or bifocals. - Custom Contact Lens Fitting
For those who prefer non-surgical solutions or are managing specific eye conditions like keratoconus, custom scleral or rigid gas permeable lenses may provide excellent vision correction.
If You Aren’t a LASIK Candidate, What’s Next?
If you've been told you're not a LASIK candidate, don’t lose hope. The first step is a thorough consultation with our experienced team at Lasik Vision Centers of Cleveland. We’ll assess your eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle to find the best option tailored for you.