When to Consider LASIK, ICL, or Orthokeratology: A Guide for Patients

Written By Mark Paul Paroli

Many people with blurry distance vision — whether it’s from myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, or other refractive errors — often ask: “What is the best option for me?”

Today, there are more choices than ever before:
👉 LASIK surgery
👉 ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
👉 Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Each option has its ideal candidates — and knowing when to consider each one can help you and your eye doctor create a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

When to Consider LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular refractive surgery that uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea, improving vision and reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.

✅ Good for:

  • Adults aged 21 and above, with stable prescription (no significant change in past year)

  • Mild to moderate myopia (typically up to around -8.00 D), mild astigmatism, or hyperopia

  • People with healthy corneas and good overall eye health

  • Those who want a permanent correction and no need for contact lenses

🚫 Not ideal if you:

  • Have thin or irregular corneas

  • Have severe dry eyes

  • Have unstable myopia progression

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (temporary hormonal changes can affect the eye)

👉 Summary: LASIK is best for healthy adults seeking a permanent surgical correction.

When to Consider ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

ICL is a reversible surgical procedure where a special lens is implanted inside the eye, between the natural lens and the iris. The natural lens is not removed.

✅ Good for:

  • People with high myopia (often -8.00 D to -20.00 D), where LASIK is not recommended

  • Thin corneas or corneas unsuitable for LASIK

  • Younger adults (early 20s to 40s)

  • Those wanting a reversible option — ICL can be removed or replaced in the future

🚫 Not ideal if you:

  • Have significant cataracts (cataract surgery may be better)

  • Have narrow drainage angles or certain anatomical restrictions

👉 Summary: ICL is best for high myopia patients or those not suited for LASIK, who want excellent quality of vision with a reversible option.

When to Consider Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical, reversible method of correcting vision by wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. The lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, so you can enjoy clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

✅ Good for:

  • Children and teens with progressive myopia — slows myopia progression (proven by strong scientific studies — IMI 2019, PubMed 2021)

  • Young adults who want freedom from glasses (sports, active lifestyles, professions where glasses are inconvenient)

  • Adults not ready for surgery or ineligible for LASIK/ICL

  • People seeking a non-invasive, adjustable option

🚫 Not ideal if you:

  • Have certain corneal conditions

  • Have poor compliance with contact lens hygiene

  • Have advanced dry eye that prevents comfortable lens wear

👉 Summary: Ortho-K is ideal for:

  • Children (myopia control)

  • Teens and young adults wanting non-surgical freedom from glasses

  • Adults who prefer reversible, non-invasive options

Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing the right option depends on your:

  • Age

  • Degree of myopia

  • Corneal health and anatomy

  • Eye health

  • Lifestyle

  • Personal preference (surgery vs non-surgery)

At Soliman Paroli Optical / Soliman Paroli Eye Center, we offer:
✅ Comprehensive eye exams
✅ LASIK screening
✅ ICL assessments
✅ Orthokeratology fitting and myopia control


We are here to help you make the best choice for your vision and long-term eye health.

Mark Paul Paroli