For many patients, the idea of LASIK represents the end of glasses or contact lenses and the beginning of clearer vision. But for some, a LASIK consultation brings unexpected news: they are not a candidate for the procedure. While that moment can feel discouraging, Kugler Vision in Omaha is working to shift the narrative. In a newly released article titled “Not a LASIK Candidate? Your Guide to the Next Steps in Vision Correction,” the team at Kugler Vision explains that being ineligible for LASIK is not the end of the road. Instead, it can be the first step toward finding a safer, more customized alternative with long-term success.
Unlike many high-volume LASIK providers that only offer one solution, Kugler Vision specializes in the full spectrum of seven advanced vision correction procedures. Led by Lance Kugler, MD, the practice is known nationally for its innovative approach to refractive surgery. Patients who are told elsewhere that they aren’t a good fit for LASIK often arrive at Kugler Vision seeking a second opinion, and leave with a personalized treatment plan built around their individual eye anatomy and vision goals. The newly published guide is aimed at helping those individuals understand their next steps, and introduces several advanced procedures that may be safer or more effective alternatives depending on the patient’s needs.
According to the article, common reasons for LASIK ineligibility include thin or irregular corneas, unstable prescriptions, dry eye syndrome, and certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases. LASIK involves the creation of a flap in the cornea, which is not suitable for all eye types. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution, Kugler Vision conducts an advanced EyeAnalysis consultation using diagnostic imaging and corneal topography to determine a more appropriate option from seven modern vision correction procedures.
Among the LASIK alternatives outlined in the article is EVO ICL, an implantable collamer lens placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. EVO ICL is especially suited for patients with high degrees of nearsightedness, astigmatism, or chronic dry eye, and unlike LASIK, it does not remove corneal tissue and is fully reversible. Drew Dickson, MD, a surgeon at Kugler Vision, serves as a national trainer for EVO ICL, further reinforcing the practice’s leadership in this technology.
The article also highlights Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), a procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery but done at an earlier age. RLE is often recommended for patients over the age of 50 with presbyopia, high farsightedness, or early cataracts. It not only provides permanent vision correction but also eliminates the future need for cataract surgery. Kugler Vision in Omaha offers a wide range of IOL options, including multifocal and toric lenses, to match the visual needs of each patient.
Patients who require both near and distance vision correction are also addressed in the guide. Kugler Vision offers Blended Vision, also known as monovision, where one eye is optimized for distance and the other for near tasks. This technique is tailored to patients based on their visual demands and whether their brain can adapt to the difference. Blended Vision can be achieved through procedures such as LASIK, PRK, or RLE, depending on candidacy and lifestyle.
The article makes it clear that understanding all available options is key to making an informed decision. Procedures like SMILE, a minimally invasive laser treatment, are also discussed. SMILE uses a single laser to create and extract a small disc of tissue through a tiny incision in the cornea, with no flap creation, potentially resulting in fewer dry eye symptoms. SMILE can be a viable alternative for patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism, and Kugler Vision provides this option for those who qualify.
In addition to educating the public, the article addresses common questions that patients may have after being told they are not LASIK candidates. For example, individuals often ask whether they can still pursue vision correction if they have myopia. The guide explains that procedures like EVO ICL or PRK remain viable solutions. It also details how eye conditions like irregular epithelium, glaucoma, or a history of autoimmune disease may disqualify someone from LASIK, but not necessarily from other refractive procedures.
Kugler Vision’s comprehensive approach is rooted in ophthalmology expertise and the understanding that no single procedure fits every eye. As the article emphasizes, selecting a surgeon who specializes in multiple vision correction procedures—not just LASIK—can mean the difference between disappointment and long-term success. The EyeAnalysis consultation at Kugler Vision includes a full diagnostic workup, discussion of medical history, and consideration of symptoms such as dry eye syndrome and refractive errors. This allows the surgical team to recommend the most effective treatment strategy based on objective data and patient goals.
Reporters seeking commentary on the topic of vision correction trends, LASIK candidacy, or the evolution of refractive surgery are encouraged to contact Kugler Vision for expert interviews. Dr. Kugler and Dr. Dickson are both respected voices in ophthalmology and have contributed to national discussions about the future of personalized vision correction. The practice’s emphasis on full-spectrum care makes it a valuable resource for stories about the limitations of LASIK-only providers and the benefits of exploring comprehensive alternatives.
For prospective patients, the message is clear: being told one is not a LASIK candidate is not the end of the story. It’s an invitation to take the next step with a provider who offers more than one solution. Kugler Vision encourages anyone who has received discouraging news from another provider to schedule a consultation and explore the broader range of safe, proven options that may be right for them.
To read the full article and learn more about the next steps in vision correction, visit www.kuglervision.com.
