7 Safe Alternatives When You’re Not Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery

Not everyone can get laser eye surgery. You’re not alone if doctors told you that you don’t qualify. Many patients find out they can’t have standard LASIK or LASEK because of their eye’s unique features or health issues.

The good news is that your vision correction experience doesn’t end if laser surgery isn’t right for you. You have several advanced options that can help. To name just one example, Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) treats a wider range of prescriptions than laser surgery can handle. ICL works with short-sightedness up to -20D and helps with long-sightedness and astigmatism. On top of that, it comes with great benefits. Doctors can reverse the procedure, it fixes vision for the long term, and your eyes stay moist.

British patients can use ICLs to fix short-sightedness from -0.50D to -18.00D. The treatment also works for long-sightedness from +0.50D to +10.00D and astigmatism up to 6.00D. More than 1 million people worldwide have ICLs. This option is just one of many proven alternatives when standard laser surgery isn’t right for you.

We know it’s tough to hear you can’t have regular laser eye surgery. Our expert surgeons work with many vision correction options. We use the latest technology and personalised care to give you the clearest vision possible, whatever your situation.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was one of the first laser eye surgery techniques and remains an excellent alternative for patients who can’t have standard procedures. This groundbreaking method reshapes your cornea to fix refractive errors without creating a flap and provides unique benefits for specific eye conditions.

PRK procedure overview

PRK fixes vision by reshaping the cornea—the clear front part of your eye—to help light focus better on the retina. Your surgeon starts this outpatient procedure by applying numbing eye drops. Unlike LASIK, PRK removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) completely with a laser, brush, blade, or alcohol-based solution. The surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the deeper corneal layers and fix your vision issues. A special bandage contact lens protects your eye while it heals. Each eye takes about 15 minutes to complete. The procedure lets skilled surgeons fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by changing your cornea’s shape.

PRK suitability criteria

You might be a good candidate for PRK if you:

• Have thin corneas: PRK works better than LASIK for patients with thinner corneas
• Lead an active lifestyle: PRK helps people who play contact sports or do high-impact activities where flap problems could happen
• Have stable vision: Good candidates should be at least 18 years old (better if over 21) with an unchanged prescription for at least a year

PRK might be your best option if you have corneal irregularities that make flap creation risky. Notwithstanding that, some conditions might rule out PRK as an option, such as advanced glaucoma, cataracts, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, or specific eye infections.

PRK benefits and outcomes

PRK has great success rates—about 90% of patients get 20/40 vision or better without glasses or contacts. Most patients’ vision becomes stable within 3-6 months after surgery.

PRK and LASIK give similar long-term results, but PRK has clear advantages:

• Lower risk of corneal problems since there’s no flap
• Better results for patients with thin corneas
• Less chance of getting dry eye syndrome
• Better choice for people who play sports or work in jobs with high eye injury risks

Not having a corneal flap makes PRK a smart choice when looking for alternatives to traditional laser eye surgery.

PRK risks and side effects

PRK is generally safe but can have side effects. Right after surgery, you might feel discomfort, become sensitive to light, and see things blurry while healing. Some people see halos or glare around lights, especially at night, but these usually go away within weeks.

Rare but serious complications can include:

• Corneal haze (cloudiness in the cornea)
• Under-correction or over-correction of vision
• Infection (happens in about 1 in 7,000 cases)
• Corneal scarring
• Permanent dry eye syndrome
• Vision getting worse over time

Serious complications rarely happen, but you should know all possible risks before getting any eye procedure.

PRK recovery and aftercare

PRK recovery works differently than LASIK. Your epithelium needs about 3-5 days to grow back, and you’ll wear a bandage contact lens during this time. Most people feel the most discomfort on days 2-3, but over-the-counter pain medicine usually helps. Your vision might get better at first, then become temporarily blurry during week one before steadily improving. You’ll see big improvements within 5-7 days, but complete healing takes about 1-3 months.

During recovery, you need to:

• Take your prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling
• Keep your hands away from your eyes
• Wear UV-protecting sunglasses outside to prevent scarring
• Stay away from swimming pools and dusty places for at least two weeks
• See your eye doctor for all scheduled check-ups

PRK pricing in the UK

UK prices for PRK change based on the clinic’s reputation, surgeon’s experience, and your prescription needs. Standard clinics charge between £600-£1000 per eye. Premium clinics that handle complex cases might charge £4,400-£6,000 for both eyes. Many clinics let you pay monthly without interest instead of all at once. Some places offer plans starting at about £44.50 monthly with a £500 deposit. PRK might cost a bit less than LASIK at some clinics (a few hundred pounds difference), but your eye condition should determine which procedure you choose, not the price.

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) stands as another excellent option for patients who can’t get traditional laser eye surgery. This procedure works just like PRK and brings unique benefits for people with specific eye conditions or lifestyle requirements.

ASA procedure overview

ASA (sometimes called LASEK) reshapes the cornea without creating a flap. Unlike PRK, surgeons don’t fully remove the epithelium (the thin surface layer of the cornea). They loosen and move it aside for a while. Your doctor starts by using numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable. They carefully loosen the epithelial layer with a dilute alcohol solution.

An excimer laser reshapes the deeper corneal tissue to fix your vision once it’s exposed. The epithelium goes back in place after treatment, and you’ll get a soft bandage contact lens to help you heal. The whole ASA procedure takes just 15-20 minutes for each eye. Most patients spend about half an hour in the treatment room from beginning to end.

ASA suitability criteria

ASA works best if you have:

• Thin corneas: ASA saves more corneal tissue than LASIK, making it perfect if your corneas aren’t thick enough
• Active lifestyle: Athletes, military personnel, and people who do high-impact activities with eye injury risks can benefit
• Dry eyes: Your eyes will be less dry after ASA compared to LASIK
• Previous eye surgeries: You might qualify for ASA even if LASIK isn’t an option due to past procedures

You should be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription to qualify for ASA. Your prescription shouldn’t change more than 0.5 diopters in the last 12 months. The procedure can fix nearsightedness up to -8.00 diopters, farsightedness up to +3.00 diopters, and astigmatism up to 6 diopters.

ASA benefits and outcomes

ASA brings several advantages over traditional laser eye surgery methods:

• No flap complications: You won’t face risks from corneal flap creation
• Minimal tissue removal: Saves 100-150 microns more corneal tissue than LASIK
• Structural integrity: Your cornea stays stronger and has lower ectasia risk
• High precision: Wavefront customization leads to more accurate vision correction
• Superior results: Many patients see better results than with LASIK

About 98% of ASA patients get 20/20 vision or better, and full recovery usually happens within a month.

ASA risks and side effects

ASA has potential side effects despite its benefits. Patients often experience:

• Mild to moderate discomfort in the first 24-48 hours
• Blurry vision for several days after surgery
• Light sensitivity and temporary dry eye symptoms
• Hazy or doubled vision during early healing

Serious complications are rare (<1%) but can include infection, corneal haze, and under or overcorrection. Following aftercare instructions and proper screening cut down these risks.

ASA recovery and aftercare

ASA recovery works differently than LASIK. You’ll wear a protective bandage contact lens for 3-5 days after surgery. Your epithelium grows back within 4 days, but your vision takes about a month to stabilise fully.

Your vision typically improves this way:

• Days 1-2: You can watch TV but not drive with your functional but changing vision
• Days 3-5: Your doctor removes the bandage lens and vision starts getting better
• Days 5-14: Vision keeps improving though some haziness might stay
• Weeks 6-8: Most patients get back to normal life with much better vision

You’ll need antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops during this time. Swimming, rubbing your eyes, and dusty places are off-limits.

ASA pricing in the UK

ASA costs between £1,700 and £2,000 per eye in the UK. Some clinics charge specific amounts like £1,925 per eye. Many clinics offer payment plans to make treatment budget-friendly. The price usually covers all pre-operative assessments, the procedure, and post-operative care. Clinics schedule follow-up visits at key points – often at 1-2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after your procedure.

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a powerful way to correct vision for patients with high prescriptions or conditions that make traditional laser procedures impossible. This innovative solution gives remarkable results to patients who were told they couldn’t get rid of their glasses or contacts.

ICL procedure overview

The ICL surgery puts a soft, flexible lens between your eye’s natural lens and the coloured iris. Unlike laser procedures that remove corneal tissue, ICL works with your existing eye structures to correct vision. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes per eye. Your surgeon starts by applying topical anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. They make a tiny keyhole incision (2-3mm) at your cornea’s edge and insert the folded lens with a special delivery device. The lens unfolds into place once it’s behind the iris. Most patients get both eyes treated on the same day, or the second eye about a week after the first.

ICL suitability criteria

ICL could be right for you if you:

• Have thin corneas that rule out laser procedures
• Suffer from chronic dry eyes
• Need correction for very high prescriptions
• Have stable vision (no changes for at least one year)

ICL can treat short-sightedness up to -18.00D [link_2], long-sightedness up to +10.00D, and astigmatism up to +/- 4.50D. You must be over 21 years old and usually under 45 to qualify. Your surgeon will scan your eye to make sure there’s enough space in front to safely fit the lens.

ICL benefits and outcomes

ICL has several advantages over other vision correction methods. It keeps your cornea’s natural structure, making it much safer for people with corneal issues. The lens protects your inner eye from UV rays, and patients usually get excellent night vision. The lens can be removed or replaced if your prescription changes later. About 95% of patients say they’re satisfied or very satisfied with their results. Vision starts improving within 24 hours after surgery, and many patients can drive after just one day.

ICL risks and side effects

After ICL surgery, you might notice blurry vision, light sensitivity, discomfort, and glare from lights at night. These issues usually clear up quickly. Your surgeon will watch for less common problems like increased eye pressure during follow-ups. Rare complications can include glaucoma, early cataract formation, and infection. Regular check-ups help catch and fix any problems early. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following their instructions reduces your risk of complications.

ICL recovery and aftercare

Recovery happens quickly, and many patients go back to work the next day. You’ll wear a protective shield over your eye at first, especially while sleeping. Eye drops prevent inflammation and infection for several weeks after surgery.

Here’s what to expect during recovery:

• First 24-48 hours: You might feel slight discomfort and see bloodshot eyes with blurry vision
• First week: Your vision gets better each day
• 3-4 weeks: You’ll see the final healing results
• 6 months: Your vision becomes completely stable

You’ll have follow-up visits the day after surgery, within ten days, at four weeks, and at three to six months.

ICL pricing in the UK

UK prices for ICL surgery range from £3,595 to £8,050 for both eyes, based on the clinic and your needs. Top eye clinics charge about £4,400 for one eye and £8,050 for both. This price usually covers your first consultation, complete diagnostic tests, the surgery, and at least two follow-up appointments. Many clinics let you spread the cost with finance options.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

RLE gives patients over 40 a permanent way to free themselves from glasses and contacts. This eye surgery has become more popular because it works well for people who can’t get laser treatments.

RLE procedure overview

RLE replaces your eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The surgeon starts by using numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable. They make a small cut on your eye’s surface and use a tiny probe to remove your natural lens. The new synthetic lens goes in its place and unfolds naturally. You’ll spend about 15 minutes per eye in surgery, and recovery time is minimal.

RLE suitability criteria

You might be a good fit for RLE if you:

• Are over 40 and have trouble focusing on close objects (presbyopia)
• Have stable vision and want to stop using glasses or contacts
• Need correction for farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism
• Can’t get other laser vision correction procedures

RLE isn’t right for everyone, especially if you have conditions like keratoconus. The best candidates are people with age-related vision changes who want a permanent fix and don’t want to worry about cataract surgery later.

RLE benefits and outcomes

RLE comes with several great benefits. Your vision quality will improve with better clarity and sharpness. The results speak for themselves – 80-93% of patients who get trifocal implants don’t need glasses anymore. On top of that, it stops cataracts from developing because your new artificial lens won’t age. Your improved vision will last without getting worse over time. Most people see better right after surgery, and their vision keeps getting better during recovery.

RLE risks and side effects

Like any surgery, RLE has potential risks. You might experience bleeding, infection, glare, halos, or higher eye pressure for a while. More serious complications are rare but could include retinal detachment, glaucoma, or vision problems. The good news is that serious complications only happen in about 1% of cases. Picking an experienced surgeon makes these risks even lower.

RLE recovery and aftercare

Your vision starts getting better right after RLE surgery, with big improvements in the first 24-48 hours. Your pupil stays dilated for a day or two, which makes things look blurry at first. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

• Healing starts right after surgery
• You can get back to normal life in about a week
• Your vision settles completely in 4-6 weeks

Your doctor will give you anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to prevent discomfort and infection.

RLE pricing in the UK

UK prices for RLE range from £2,500 to £4,750 per eye for premium options. Some top eye clinics charge £1,995 per eye for monofocal lenses and £3,195 for multifocal lenses. Most clinics’ packages have everything you need – all assessments, the surgery, and follow-up care. Many offer payment plans to make it easier to afford, with monthly payments available.

Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL)

Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) are a quickest way to correct vision for patients who can’t get laser eye surgery due to specific eye conditions. This innovative solution works well for many refractive problems and serves as a safe alternative to glasses.

IOL procedure overview

The IOL procedure places a clear artificial lens inside your eye that works with or replaces your natural lens. Your surgeon starts by applying anaesthetic eye drops for comfort. A small incision in the eye allows insertion of the folded artificial lens, which then unfolds naturally into place. The outpatient procedure takes just 10-15 minutes per eye and needs minimal recovery time.

IOL suitability criteria

You might benefit from IOLs if you:

• Have cataracts affecting your vision clarity
• Can’t get LASIK but need vision correction
• Need help with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
• Have myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism

Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes to confirm whether IOLs are right for you.

IOL benefits and outcomes

IOLs come with several key advantages. These lenses reduce your need for prescription eyewear. Each type of IOL offers specific benefits:

• Monofocal IOLs: Give clear distance vision but you’ll need reading glasses for close work
• Multifocal/Trifocal IOLs: Help you see well at multiple distances, and 90-95% of patients don’t need glasses
• Toric IOLs: Fix astigmatism
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF): Let you see clearly at distance and middle ranges without glasses

IOL risks and side effects

While complications are rare, they can include posterior capsular opacification (secondary cataract), IOL dislocation, or temporary vision issues like halos and glare. About 5-10% of multifocal IOL patients see halos around lights. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces these risks by a lot.

IOL recovery and aftercare

Most patients see better within 1-3 days after surgery. You might feel some discomfort, stickiness, or tearing at first. Complete recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks.

During recovery, remember to:

• Use your prescribed eye drops
• Sleep with an eye shield
• Stay away from swimming and hot tubs
• Keep all follow-up appointments

IOL pricing in the UK

UK prices for IOLs change based on lens type and clinic location. Monofocal lens surgery costs between £1,995 and £3,795 per eye, while multifocal options range from £3,195 to £4,750 per eye. Many clinics let you pay monthly, often with 0% interest for 10-12 months.

INTACS (Intracorneal Ring Segments)

INTACS (Intracorneal Ring Segments) are a minimally invasive option if you have been rejected from standard laser eye surgery, especially when you have keratoconus or moderate myopia. These micro-thin, crescent-shaped implants work differently than laser procedures. They change your cornea’s shape without removing tissue.

INTACS procedure overview

INTACS surgery places clear, semi-circular PMMA segments into your cornea’s periphery. Your surgeon starts by applying numbing eye drops and making a small incision (approximately 1.2mm) at your cornea’s edge. They use either a mechanical dissector or femtosecond laser to create channels between corneal layers where INTACS segments fit precisely. Both eyes take just 15-20 minutes. You can go home shortly after this outpatient procedure.

INTACS suitability criteria

You might be right for INTACS if you:

• Can’t achieve good vision with glasses or contacts due to keratoconus
• Are 21 years or older
• Have clear central corneas
• Have corneal thickness of at least 450 microns at the incision site
• Have had stable vision for at least one year

INTACS might not be suitable if you’re pregnant, have large dilated pupils (≥7.0mm), or certain eye conditions.

INTACS benefits and outcomes

INTACS flatten your cornea and reposition the cone centrally if you have keratoconus. Studies show that 74% of patients get 20/20 or better uncorrected vision after one year. The procedure is reversible, and your surgeon can remove or replace INTACS when needed.

INTACS risks and side effects

Possible complications include infection (rare), night vision difficulties (5%), glare (1-2%), halos (1-2%), and sensitivity to light (<1%). About 5-10% of patients get temporary visual symptoms. Serious issues like corneal perforation are very rare (0-2%).

INTACS recovery and aftercare

Your vision should improve dramatically the day after surgery. You might feel mild discomfort, have watery eyes, and notice light sensitivity at first. Your surgeon will give you antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for about a week. Your vision will keep getting better over several weeks until it stabilises completely.

INTACS pricing in the UK

INTACS cost between £2,000-£3,500 per eye in the UK, depending on your prescription and clinic location. Many clinics offer payment plans to make this treatment budget-friendly.

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE), also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), gives patients a permanent solution to correct their vision when standard laser treatments aren’t suitable. This surgical option brings great benefits to patients who have specific eye conditions or age-related vision changes.

CLE procedure overview

The CLE surgery replaces your eye’s natural clear lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Your surgeon starts by applying numbing eye drops and makes a small incision in the cornea. A specialised tool breaks up and removes the natural lens, and the artificial lens goes through the same opening. Patients can head home shortly after this 20-minute procedure per eye.

CLE suitability criteria

CLE might work well for you if:

• You have presbyopia (age-related farsightedness that starts around age 40)
• Your cornea is too thin for LASIK
• You have severe hyperopia (farsightedness)
• You want freedom from glasses without worrying about future cataracts

Some eye conditions make CLE unsuitable, including age-related macular degeneration, uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled glaucoma, or certain corneal diseases.

CLE benefits and outcomes

Most patients see better within 24 hours. Since CLE removes your natural lens, you won’t develop cataracts later in life. Research shows patient satisfaction rates reach 90-95%.

CLE risks and side effects

Patients should know about potential risks like inflammation, bleeding, infection, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or vision loss. Some people experience temporary effects such as blurred vision, glare or halos, shadows in peripheral vision, and droopy eyelids. Retinal detachment remains rare but needs careful evaluation, especially when younger patients have extreme myopia.

CLE recovery and aftercare

Vision improves within 24 hours of surgery and healing completes in four weeks. Your doctor will give you antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to fight infection and reduce discomfort during recovery.

CLE pricing in the UK

UK patients pay £1,995-£3,795 per eye for monofocal lenses and £3,195-£4,750 per eye for multifocal or trifocal options. Many clinics help with financing through 0% interest plans over 10-12 months or longer payment terms at around 11.5% APR.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Learning that laser eye surgery isn’t right for you can feel like a letdown. But don’t worry – several excellent alternatives can give you comparable or better results. PRK, ASA, ICL, RLE, IOL, INTACS, and CLE each come with specific benefits that match different eye conditions and patient needs. Your prescription, corneal thickness, age, and lifestyle will help determine your best option.

These alternative procedures often deliver better results than standard laser surgery. To cite an instance, ICL corrects prescriptions up to -18.00D for short-sightedness. INTACS targets keratoconus issues that traditional laser treatments don’t deal very well with. On top of that, RLE and CLE prevent future cataracts – solving two vision problems at once.

Recovery times vary between these options. Some patients recover in days while others need several weeks for their vision to stabilise. Each procedure has its own potential risks, but the chances remain low, especially with qualified specialists using advanced technology.

Clear vision doesn’t depend on laser surgery alone. Precision Vision London’s range of safe alternatives matches your eyes and lifestyle perfectly. Book your consultation to discover your best option. The right procedure needs a full picture and expert guidance from eye care professionals who know everything about each alternative.

The biggest advantage of these procedures lies in knowing how to provide permanent vision correction without the usual laser treatment restrictions. Your original ineligibility for laser eye surgery opens doors to specialised solutions that could better serve your unique visual needs.

Key Takeaways

Being unsuitable for laser eye surgery doesn’t end your vision correction journey—seven proven alternatives exist, each designed for specific eye conditions and patient needs.

• ICL treats extreme prescriptions: Corrects short-sightedness up to -18.00D and offers complete reversibility with 95% patient satisfaction rates.
• Surface procedures preserve corneal tissue: PRK and ASA are ideal for thin corneas, with 90-98% achieving excellent vision without flap complications.
• Lens replacement prevents future cataracts: RLE and CLE provide permanent solutions for presbyopia whilst eliminating cataract development entirely.
• INTACS specifically addresses keratoconus: The only option for this progressive condition, offering 74% of patients 20/20 vision or better.
• Recovery times vary significantly: From days (ICL) to months (PRK), but all alternatives provide long-lasting vision correction tailored to individual needs.

These alternatives often deliver superior results compared to standard laser surgery, particularly for complex prescriptions or specific eye conditions. The key lies in proper assessment by qualified specialists who can match your unique visual requirements with the most appropriate procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes regardless of your initial laser surgery eligibility.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main alternatives to laser eye surgery? The main alternatives include Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL), INTACS, and Clear Lens Extraction (CLE). Each offers unique benefits for specific eye conditions and patient needs.

Q2. How long does recovery typically take for these alternative procedures? Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. PRK and ASA may take 1-3 months for full vision stabilisation, while ICL and RLE patients often see significant improvement within 24-48 hours and complete recovery in 4-6 weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions.

Q3. Are these alternative procedures safe? Yes, these procedures are generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons. However, like any surgery, they carry some risks. Common side effects may include temporary discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Serious complications are rare but possible. Discuss all potential risks with your eye care professional.

Q4. How much do these alternative procedures cost in the UK? Costs vary widely depending on the procedure and clinic. PRK might range from £600-£1,000 per eye, while more advanced options like ICL can cost between £3,595-£8,050 for both eyes. Many clinics offer financing options to make treatment more accessible.

Q5. Can these alternatives correct extreme prescriptions? Yes, some alternatives are specifically designed for high prescriptions. For instance, ICL can treat short-sightedness up to -18.00D, long-sightedness up to +10.00D, and astigmatism up to +/- 4.50D. This makes it an excellent option for those with prescriptions beyond the range of traditional laser surgery.