Medically Reviewed by:
ICL vs. LASIK: Visian ICL, Visian Toric ICL, and LASIK
Patients exploring their vision correction procedure options wind up having a debate between ICL vs. LASIK. The implantation of an ICL (implantable Collamer lens) or the use of LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) are both popular solutions for those struggling with vision loss due to refractive errors.
When comparing ICL vs. LASIK, several questions may arise. Is one type of procedure better for me than the other? Are both LASIK and ICL eye surgery safe? Is ICL surgery permanent, like LASIK?
Let’s explore the answers to these and other frequently asked questions regarding ICL vs. LASIK to help you choose the procedure that best fits your needs.
What’s the difference between, Visian ICL, Visian Toric ICL, and LASIK?
If you struggle with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and are ready to be free from glasses and/or contact lenses, you have several options available to you. ICL and LASIK surgeries are two of the most popular types of procedures. Depending on your eye health needs, one may serve you better than the other—which is how we distinguish them below.
LASIK
LASIK surgery is a refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea. The procedure can help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and can be performed in conjunction with many other eye procedures. It is renowned for its safety and for its short surgery recovery time. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK. For more information, read our article: Is My Vision too Bad for LASIK?
Visian ICL
The Visian ICL is an implantable, bio-compatible contact lense that can remain in your eye indefinitely, freeing you from the constant need to maintain and change your contacts. However, unlike LASIK, which has permanent effects, an ICL can be removed if a patient so wishes. ICLs are especially good for patients whose cornea’s are too thin or dry for them to be good candidates for LASIK. Unfortunately, Visian ICL can only be used to help those patients struggling with myopia (nearsightedness).
Visian Toric ICL
Until recently, patients with myopia who also had higher prescriptions and/or astigmatism would LASIK performed in conjunction with the use of an ICL to have all of their vision issues addressed. However, all of that changed when the FDA approved the Visian Toric ICL in 2018. Along with nearsightedness correction and all the other benefits of Visian ICL, the Visian Toric ICL can also address the issues caused by both higher prescriptions and astigmatism without the need for an additional LASIK procedure!
Is ICL better than LASIK?
When comparing ICL vs. LASIK, it can be tempting to ask which of the two procedures is “better.” Both procedures are safe but, like all surgeries, both contain risks. Both surgeries have a minimal recovery time and both procedures offer long-term solutions to patients living with refractive errors. So, which is better?
While some doctors may argue for one type of surgery over the other, the reality is that it depends on the patient. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to consult a trust ophthalmologist in Houston when choosing between these procedures.
Considering ICL Vs. LASIK? Request a consultation at Eye Center of Texas
Eye Center of Texas is home surgeons who have served as pioneers in multiple types of eye surgery, including the LASIK, Visian ICL, Visian Toric ICL procedures. We encourage you to explore which of these options might be best for you, then schedule a visit with our esteemed doctors to begin down the road toward clear vision.
With six convenient locations in the Greater Houston Area, Eye Center of Texas makes it easy to fix your vision in comfort. To request a LASIK consultation, call 713-395-1515. For other vision needs, please call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010, or schedule an appointment online today.
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:
Medically Reviewed by:
What Can LASIK Surgery Correct?
As it has grown in popularity, Houston LASIK has begun to be treated as a cure-all surgery for eye issues—to the point that when patients come in, they often have to ask, “Exactly what can LASIK surgery correct?”
LASIK is an incredible procedure that has restored the vision of millions of people in North America alone. However, it cannot correct all vision issues. Let’s review the vision problems and eye health issues that the LASIK procedure can and cannot help.
What is LASIK? A quick overview.
Already familiar with LASIK? Skip to the next section: What can LASIK surgery correct?
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, otherwise known as LASIK or laser eye surgery, corrects refractive errors. Refractive errors occur when a misshapen cornea misdirects the angle of light as it enters the eye, causing the light to focus on the retina at an incorrect angle and resulting in blurred vision.
LASIK reshapes the cornea using lasers, which are safer, less invasive, and more efficient than bladed LASIK procedures. The whole procedure often lasts less than 15 minutes, and LASIK recovery time is typically minimal, with many patients reporting improved vision clarity on the same day as the procedure.
In some cases (around 70%) LASIK can improve vision beyond 20/20. Over 95% of patients report satisfaction with their LASIK results.
What can LASIK surgery correct?
LASIK is a refractive surgery that works by reshaping the cornea. There are several main types of ways that your cornea can be misshapen, each resulting in its own kind of refractive error.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, occurs when your cornea curves at too sharp an angle, or when your eye is too elongated. Because of these aberrations, the light enters your eye and focuses too far in front of your retina, negatively affecting your distance vision. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects nearsightedness by using the laser to flatten the cornea.
Farsightedness
As the name would suggest, farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is in many ways the “opposite” of nearsightedness. Farsightedness occurs when your cornea is too flat, or when your eye is “too short.” These issues cause light to focus too far behind your retina, negatively affecting your near vision. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects farsightedness by creating a steeper angle on the surface of the cornea.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the surface of your cornea is uneven. Flat in some places, curved in others, the uneven cornea breaks up the light that enters your eye, causing it to focus on multiple places on and around your retina instead of one place. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects astigmatism by smoothing the surface of the cornea.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that occurs when your lens loses flexibility. This loss of flexibility keeps your lens from being able to make adjustments and focus light on the retina, negatively affecting your near vision.
Scientists are still researching surgical procedures for effectively treating presbyopia. While LASIK cannot fix presbyopia completely, patients do have the option to try Monovision LASIK. During this procedure, an ophthalmologist fully corrects the distance vision of one eye while making the other slightly more nearsighted.
Some people have difficulty adjusting to monovision, so it is recommended that patients undergo a trial period using lenses or glasses that mimic the effects of monovision. Patients who can adjust to monovision enjoy the freedom from external eyewear that this procedure affords. Patients who can’t adjust to monovision might fare better with alternative treatments, including lens replacement for presbyopia.
What can’t LASIK surgery correct? Eye diseases and some extreme refractive errors.
Now that we have addressed the question, “What can LASIK surgery correct?” Let’s tackle some of the eye issues that LASIK doesn’t affect.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is when your corneas become thin and weak, resulting in blurred vision and eyes that are cone-shaped in appearance. Because in reshaping the cornea LASIK sometimes involves thinning the cornea, patients with Keratoconus should not get LASIK surgery.
Glaucoma
There are several types of Glaucoma, all of which involve the damaging of your eyes’ optic nerves. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in extreme vision loss and even blindness. LASIK cannot address vision loss caused by glaucoma. However, if your glaucoma is being successfully treated, LASIK may still be used to correct any vision loss caused by refractive errors.
Cataracts
Cataracts are another (frequently) age-related eye condition that occurs when the proteins in the lens of your eye begin to degrade. When this breakdown occurs, the lens becomes cloudy vision problems arise. LASIK cannot address clouded lenses caused by cataracts. However, if desired, LASIK can often be performed in conjunction with or after cataract surgery.
Dry eye syndrome
During the LASIK procedure, the laser may cut some of the nerves in your cornea that detect when your eye needs extra lubrication. It is typical for patients to experience dry eyes for a short time after LASIK—as well as for most dry eye symptoms to subside after one month. However, patients who already naturally struggle with dry eyes should consult with their ophthalmologist to see whether LASIK is right for them.
Extreme refractive errors
Refractive errors are measured in units called diopters. In cases in which a patient’s refractive errors are more extreme and fall beyond certain diopter measurements, your ophthalmologist may not recommend LASIK; these patients may experience more pronounced issues with their nighttime vision and halos after LASIK. For more information, please read our article: Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK?
Additional FAQs about what LASIK surgery can fix:
Can LASIK correct nearsightedness and farsightedness at the same time? Yes. If a patient is nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other, LASIK can be adjusted to correct the specific refractive area found in each eye. Not sure if you’re nearsighted or farsighted? Check out our article: The Difference Between Nearsighted and Farsighted.
Can you get LASIK if you wear bifocals?
Yes, although your doctor will likely recommend Monovision LASIK. Patients typically wear bifocals to address presbyopia, the loss of flexibility in the cornea described above.
Can you get LASIK multiple times?
While it is rare that patients would need to have LASIK performed multiple times, it can certainly be done. However, whether you are a candidate for multiple LASIK surgeries will depend on the health of your eyes and the thickness of your corneas. Patients can also opt for PRK surgery in Houston or the use of intraocular lenses (IOLs). For more information, please read our article: How Many Times Can You Have LASIK?
Curious about what LASIK surgery can correct? Considering LASIK in Houston? Contact Eye Center of Texas
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What can LASIK surgery correct?” you may be wondering, “Am I a good candidate for LASIK?” At Eye Center of Texas, we can answer these questions and more during your LASIK consultation. Our surgeons are some of the best LASIK surgeons in the country and have been pioneering advances in Houston’s eye care for decades.
LASIK can be life-changing—just check out this real-life LASIK experience by one Rice PhD student! Here at Eye Center of Texas, we are proud to be a part of these transformations and to provide Houstonians with quality, top-rated eye care.
Ready to see clearly again? Get started on your LASIK journey by calling 713-395-1515 or contacting Eye Center of Texas online today.
More Helpful Resources from Eye Center of Texas:
Medically Reviewed by:
Post-Operative Care after LASIK Surgery
Everyone’s eyes are unique. Some people have perfect vision. Others have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination creating less than ideal vision.
Using the surgical procedure, LASIK, a surgeon can correct the corneal tissue to improve eyesight. The end result is freedom from glasses or contacts.
Postoperative Care after LASIK
Postoperative from LASIK surgery is an essential component for optimal results. Always follow the doctor’s guidelines. The procedure allows you to return to normal activities quickly. But you will still need to be careful.
Get Plenty of Rest
One of the best aspects to help aid in the recovery after LASIK surgery is rest. You will experience some sensitivity and minor discomfort. Allowing time to rest and relax will help in speedy the recovery process.
Even when sleeping, use the eye shield or eye goggles as instructed to protect your eyes. Your doctor should always follow up the day after LASIK surgery to view the results.
Don’t Touch
When your eyes are feeling a sense of discomfort, the first response is to rub them. You must avoid rubbing your eyes. The small amount of pressure from rubbing your eyes can result in damage to the sensitive areas.
Keep Water Away from Your Eyes
Avoid taking a shower or bath until the day after surgery. When you decide to wash your hair, use extreme caution to avoid getting soap in your eyes. Stay away from the hot tub, sauna, and swimming pools for at least 2 weeks.
Personal Hygiene
Along with keeping tap water away from your eyes, remember to carefully apply hairspray, face cream, lotions, or after shave. Do not wear any type of makeup for at least a week. You might want to consider replacing your old makeup product to eliminate exposure to bacteria.
Use Sunglasses
Shielding your eyes with sunglasses will help in avoiding discomfort from the bright sun. The bright rays might create scarring, so using sunglasses as protection is vital. Wear the sunglasses for at least a week after LASIK surgery.
Returning to Work
Generally, you will be able to return to work after a couple of days. You will just need to be extremely careful not to put too much strain on your eyes.
Returning to driving is permitted as long as you feel comfortable with your eyesight. But ask your doctor’s permission first and remember to use your sunglasses.
Normal Activities
Getting back to normal activities might take a week. You will want to avoid any type of eye irritations. As you begin to resume your normal routine after a week, you will want to wear goggles to protect your eyes when you sleep.
- Avoid exercising and strenuous activity.
- Stay out of the garden and dusty environments.
- Avoid any type of contact sports for at least a month.
One of the best aspects about choosing LASIK surgery is the ease of the procedure. At any time, if you feel extreme discomfort or pain, contacting your healthcare provider is a must. Complications from corrective eye surgery are rare.
Patients will generally notice an improvement in their vision the next day. Following your doctor’s instructions will allow you to return to normal activities in a quick manner.
Medically Reviewed by:
Getting to Know the Facts About LASIK Eye Surgery
When you have been dealing with imperfect vision or vision loss for a long period of time, you start to find the idea of wearing contacts or glasses frustrating. In the past, there might have been no other solution to your struggles other than to continue wearing corrective lenses.
Now, surgical options such as LASIK surgery have changed the eye care and vision care game. Before you jump right into a surgical procedure, though, get all of the facts about LASIK surgery and what you can expect. Then, you will be sure that you are making the right decision for you and your eye health.
What Exactly Is LASIK Surgery?
Many people have heard of LASIK surgery, though very few actually know what the term actually means or how the procedure works. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In essence, this indicates that it is a form of laser surgery on the cornea of the eye. LASIK is a procedure that involves cutting into the cornea and creating a flap. This flap is folded back and then corneal tissue is removed. The idea behind removing a portion of the cornea is that removing corneal tissue will allow the remaining tissue of the cornea to better reflect light and therefore improve a person’s vision.
Who Is a Good Fit for LASIK?
Not every person with eye troubles will be a good candidate for LASIK surgery. This is because LASIK surgery is meant to correct vision problems in people with otherwise healthy eyes.
As such, a person who has damaged tissue (such as scarring) in their cornea, or other eye diseases or conditions, would not be ideal candidates for LASIK eye surgery.
This is because the procedure could cause problems with those other conditions, or a person might not be able to enjoy the full vision benefits of the surgical procedure because of those conditions.
Will You Still Need to Wear Corrective Lenses?
Many people want to get LASIK surgery in order to avoid wearing their corrective lenses completely. While this is a possible result of the LASIK surgery procedure, it is not a guaranteed outcome.
LASIK surgery will improve a person’s vision (when the procedure is successful), and they will likely enjoy far better vision even without their glasses or contacts. They could, however, still find that they need those corrective lenses occasionally for certain activities. Another possibility is that they will still need corrective lenses as frequently as before, but with a lesser degree of correction.
Now that you know more about the LASIK eye surgery procedure, you can decide for yourself if this surgery is right for you. Once you make the decision, you can contact your eye surgeon and get the process started.
Medically Reviewed by:
LASIK Surgery Explained
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery used to improve an individual’s vision. It works by permanently changing the shape of the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye.
Impaired vision in an individual occurs when light rays aren’t focused clearly on the retina—owing to an imperfectly-shaped eyeball, cornea, or lens—resulting in blurry images and the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK corrects this impairment by using an ultraviolet laser to reshape the cornea for improved focusing.
What to Expect During LASIK Surgery
During the LASIK procedure, an ultra-fast femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. This flap provides access for the laser to target the corneal tissue underneath, removing precisely enough tissue to achieve the desired results. Once the surgery is completed, the flap falls back over the eye and naturally grows back in its original position.
The procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis, takes no longer than about 15 minutes for each eye. The surgery does come with risks, however, some of which include corneal infection, dry eyes, and light sensitivity. Nevertheless, the surgery has proved very popular since its introduction and surveys of LASIK find rates of patient satisfaction between 92 and 98 percent.
Anyone considering LASIK surgery will undergo an eye examination before the procedure to ensure that their eyes are healthy. Additional tests are carried out to measure the curve and thickness of the cornea, the size and position of the pupils, and the shape of the eyes. A patient needs to give consent to the procedure, fully acknowledging the risks and possible complications involved.
The patient is awake during the entire procedure. The only necessary anesthetic is a solution to numb the surface of the eye.
The surgeon uses a an ultra-fast femtosecond laser to create a flap, facilitating access to the underlying corneal tissue, which is then reshaped with a laser. The corneal tissue is not cut away completely, but left attached by a small “hinge” of tissue.
Once the surgery has been completed, the flap of corneal tissue falls back into place, protecting the eye until it has fully healed. Surgical stitches aren’t necessary to secure the flap.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Patients may feel a little discomfort immediately following the procedure. It’s important, however, that a patient refrains from rubbing his or her eyes to avoid dislodging the corneal flap. While a patient might experience blurriness immediately after the procedure, vision should start to improve the following day.
Who is Eligible for LASIK Surgery?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines, suitable candidates for LASIK surgery include healthy individuals who are at least 18 years of age and those with a stable eyesight prescription.
Patients with health conditions such as diabetes, lupus, and glaucoma may not be suitable for this type of eye surgery and should discuss the matter with their physician.
The pros and cons of LASIK eye surgery should always be weighed by anyone considering the procedure. Expectations should be questioned and patients should have a clear understanding of what is involved, not only in the procedure itself, but also in the likely results.
Medically Reviewed by:
Does Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is a phenomenal procedure for many people, restoring life-long vision issues associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is known for being fast, virtually pain-free, outpatient, and with a fast recovery time in just as little as 24 hours.
These are the known parts of LASIK. Lesser known are the ins and outs of picking a doctor and, most of all, the overall cost that can be expected.
Insurance and LASIK Surgery
Unfortunately, most insurance policies consider LASIK to be “cosmetic” surgery. Vision problems are easily fixed with less expensive eyeglasses or contact lenses. Therefore, correction through surgery is considered purely cosmetic because the patient is (presumably) only interested for aesthetic purposes.
However, certain individuals may still have insured help with the procedure. Those whose jobs rely on vision, such as military personnel, athletes, or other entertainers whose careers rely on their ability to work without vision aids
.
This doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Some employers offer discounted LASIK through agreements with LASIK doctors.
Even if you are uninsured or your insurance doesn’t cover the costs at all, LASIK surgery centers usually offer reasonable payment plans to make the procedure affordable in the long run, rather than a one-time payment.
Surgeon Experience
The longer a surgeon has been practicing, the higher their prices will be. This does not always mean the surgeon with fewer years behind the scalpel is bad at the procedure. Many younger surgeons might have better experience with newer technologies. As a rule, however, the more experience a surgeon has, the higher their premium will be.
Type of LASIK Surgery
Even though LASIK is itself a new procedure in the history of sight correction, newer technologies are developed constantly. Older techniques use a traditional blade, while newer surgeries can use laser technology instead.
Both are equally effective, and one might be more suited to your specific needs than another. The more technologically advanced laser treatments, however, have a higher cost, which is passed along to the patient.
Bargain LASIK Surgery
Shopping around for prices will reveal multiple offers for “bargain” LASIK procedures. Beware these advertisements! The steep discounts offered are driven by low-quality or outdated medical technology, hidden fees, less patient care, or a combination of these.
Even though finding a reasonable price is an important step in picking a surgeon for your LASIK, the cheapest way is not usually the safest.
Traditional insurance may not cover the cost to get your eyes permanently corrected. A little research and taking advantage of every available option, subsidy, and offer, however, will ensure your LASIK is worth every penny spent.
LASIK Surgery in Houston
Eye Center of Texas is one of the first practices in Texas to offer bladeless cataract surgery and the best blade-free LASIK surgery Houston has to offer. Call today to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.
Medically Reviewed by:
Fighter Pilots can have iLASIK
In 2007 Air Force officials changed the policy to allow people applying for aviation and aviation-related jobs to have had LASIK vision correction. Due to stresses placed on the eyes during flight combined with the active lifestyle of military members, the recommended refractive surgeries are wavefront-guided PRK, or wavefront-guided Bladeless LASIK (iLASIK).
If U.S. Navel Fighter Pilots can have iLASIK…this should give you a feeling of comfort and safety like never before!
Thumbs up for Blade-Free iLASIK!
Medically Reviewed by:
Lost Cost LASIK – You Get What You Pay For!
I just spoke to a potential LASIK patient and he wanted to know why ECT’s LASIK price is more expensive than the LASIK center across the freeway from our Bellaire location. Here’s the low down on LASIK centers that advertise “LASIK starting at $499. per eye”.
Technology
Not all LASIK centers offer the latest LASIK technology: ECT only offers Custom Bladeless LASIK, the most advanced LASIK technology available today. It requires the use of a Wavefront Analyzer and a second laser to create a thin layer of corneal tissue. A cheaper LASIK center is more than likely to offer the older microtome technology. Another word for microtome is BLADE. Always ask if their LASIK price includes “Wavefront Custom Bladeless Technology”?
The Surgeon’s Qualifications
You get what you pay for, and what you want to pay for is a qualified LASIK surgeon with at least thousands of procedures under his LASIK belt. Surgeons with less experience and fewer qualifications are likely to command cheaper prices.
The Old Bait-and-Switch
You see or hear an advertisement: LASIK starting at $499/eye – but when you go in for your LASIK evaluation they tell you that you don’t qualify for the $499. because your Rx is too high or you have astigmatism (and most patients have astigmatism). Once they explain all their “add on fees”, you find out that their price is the same (or higher) than ECT’s.
While LASIK shopping, remember that LASIK is eye surgery. Great surgeons spend years perfecting the art and science of their craft, and will charge a price that reflects their expertise. Beware of cheap LASIK centers that advertise starting at $499/eye or even $999/eye.
Financing Options Available
Apply today to find a financing option that meets your needs.
Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620