Being told you are not a candidate for LASIK can feel discouraging, especially if you were hoping to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The good news is that LASIK is not the only option for vision correction. Depending on your prescription and eye health, alternatives such as EVO ICL may still be a good fit for your vision needs.
At Richens Eye Center in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, patients meet with board-certified ophthalmologists and experienced optometrists to discuss vision correction options based on their individual needs. Dr. Sharon Richens and her team provide advanced refractive surgery evaluations, including EVO ICL for patients who may not qualify for LASIK or PRK. Richens Eye Center is also the only provider in Southern Utah performing only laser iLASIK rather than blade LASIK procedures.
Why Some Patients Choose EVO ICL Instead of LASIK
Unlike LASIK, EVO ICL uses an implantable collamer lens placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. Because no corneal tissue is removed, some patients may benefit more from EVO ICL than corneal laser surgery.
Many patients also appreciate that EVO ICL offers quick recovery times, sharp distance vision, and no corneal flap. Some people notice improved vision within the first day after the procedure.
Here are five common reasons patients choose EVO ICL over LASIK:
- Thin Corneas: Patients with thinner corneas may not have enough tissue for LASIK safely.
- Dry Eye Concerns: Because EVO ICL does not reshape the cornea, it may reduce the risk of worsening dry eye symptoms after surgery.
- Higher Vision Prescriptions: Patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness sometimes fall outside the ideal treatment range for LASIK.
- Irregular Corneal Shape: Certain corneal conditions can make laser vision correction less predictable.
- Interest in a Removable Lens Option: Unlike LASIK, EVO ICL uses a removable lens implant that can be taken out or replaced if needed in the future.
A Consultation Can Help Determine the Right Option
A comprehensive eye evaluation can help determine whether EVO ICL, PRK, or LASIK is the best option for your vision needs. During your consultation, the provider evaluates factors such as corneal thickness, prescription stability, refractive error, and overall eye health.
If you have been told you are not a LASIK candidate, you may still have other vision correction procedures worth exploring. To learn more about EVO ICL and refractive surgery options, contact Richens Eye Center in St. George, UT or Mesquite, NV at 435-986-2020.
