If you have been imagining a life with less dependence on contact lenses or glasses, it can be disappointing to be told that you are not a candidate for LASIK. However, the road to better vision does not stop at LASIK! While it may be a well-known name in vision correction surgery, there are several other types of procedures that are also clinically proven to break free from contact lenses or glasses.
LASIK Alternatives
At Aurora LASIK we offer a range of surgical options for vision correction. Depending on your individual needs and goals, one of these vision correction procedures could be perfect for you:
Visian ICL™
Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that offers many benefits, especially for patients who cannot have LASIK due to a high level of myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas or dry eye. Visian ICL does not cause dry eye symptoms, which can be a concern with LASIK.[1] Visian ICL also offers UV protection and has a superb patient satisfaction rate.[2]
Visian ICL is implanted in the cornea in front of the eye’s natural lens during a procedure that lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. You can expect near-immediate vision improvement with minimal recovery time and you will not be able to see or feel it once it is in place. Unlike LASIK, which permanently changes the shape of the cornea, Visian ICL is an additive technology that can be removed, if needed. Ideal candidates for Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 with mild to severe nearsightedness (prescription between –3D and –20D) and a prescription that has been stable for at least one year. Visian ICL can also treat astigmatism (1.0D and 4.0D).
Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery in which an outer layer of the surface of the eye is removed in order to avoid an incision in the cornea. Like LASIK, a laser is then used to reshape the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. Visual improvement and recovery time may take a bit longer than LASIK or Visian ICL procedures, but is still a great option for many people.
PRK may be an option for patients who cannot have LASIK due to thin corneas, but can only correct nearsightedness with a prescription up to -12 D. Ideal candidates for PRK are over 18 and have had a stable prescription for at least one year.
RLE
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a vision correction surgery in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE can correct a range of vision errors depending on the type of IOL that is chosen. This procedure is identical to cataract surgery and is typically performed on one eye at a time.
Choosing the Right Vision Correction Surgery
There are many factors to consider when choosing a vision correction procedure. The best choice for you will depend on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the types of benefits you are seeking. An experienced eye doctor can explain your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
[1] Naves, J.S. Carracedo, G. Cacho-Babillo, I. Diadenosine Nucleotid Measurements as Dry-Eye Score in Patients After LASIK and ICL Surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.
[2] Bamashmus MA, Al-Arabi AH, Alawad MA. Visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantable collamer lens and Toric implantable collamer lens correction for moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism. Saudi Med J. 2013 Sep;34(9):913-9. PMID: 24043002.
Hello! I am the Director of Smiles for patients. You will be greeted by me the second you step into the clinic. I am also in charge of the snacks, so I am basically everyone’s best friend.
LIKES: Mayo, a hot day at the beach, music, COFFEE
DISLIKES: Cold weather, bugs and needles.. bleck!
Thank you so much!
Leah Rudd, Patient Counselor
I will help explain procedures, ease nerves, and schedule procedures…. and goof off on TikTok on behalf of Aurora LASIK. I’m ready to help you get rid of your glasses or contacts!
LIKES: I like candy and ice cream. I LOVE anything Disney (especially the music. I will belt it all day/everyday)
DISLIKES: I dislike being out of candy and ice cream!
Ashley Scott, Refractive Technician
I will make you laugh… just kidding but you will hear my laugh around the office and my coworkers say it’s contagious (and I have to agree). I am in and out of the office working hard to help achieve your goals of clearer vision. I’m not super Cornea but I do love a good eye joke.
LIKES: Camping, sunflowers, goats, going to concerts, spending time with my family and napping with my dogs
DISLIKES: Spiders, pickles, and folding laundry
Krystle Clement, Lead Ophthalmic Technician
I pretty much run the show… I’ve been here so long (14 years)! You will find me assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery and keeping my Technicians motivated with inspirational mirror quotes.
LIKES: Spending time with my family and animals. Coloring my hair and doing my nails. Not leaving my house.
DISLIKES: Close-minded people and I don’t like my hands touched ewwwwwww I can feel your fingerprints.
Nicole Markowitz, Director
I am the commander and chief (don’t tell Dr. Rudd)! You will see me buzzing around the office and am here to help you through your vision correction journey. My team is absolutely AMAZING and will make sure your care and experience is their top priority. I look forward to seeing you in our office.
LIKES: Travel, strong coffee, motorcycle rides, spa treatments, hiking, and a clean house.
DISLIKES: Horseradish, clutter, having to ask people twice, Gin and weak coffee.
Dr. Jay Rudd
At Aurora LASIK, you’re not just choosing the best technology, you’re choosing the right surgeon and eye care team. Dr. Jay Rudd has been in private practice as a fellowship-trained cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon since 2000 and has performed thousands of vision correction procedures for the residents of Olympia, Lacey and beyond.
Intuitive and meticulous, Dr. Rudd is only satisfied with the best results possible within his operating room. He is his patients best advocate and prides himself on providing them excellent eye care. His caring and warm disposition is the foundation of strong bonds formed with those he cares for.
Dr. Anthony Grillo
Dr. Anthony Grillo is proud to have joined the fantastic team at Aurora LASIK in 2022. His passion is to provide the absolute best results possible. His attention to detail, the stellar Aurora team, and the state-of-the-art resources at Aurora LASIK allow him to provide his patients with both fantastic care and outcomes.
Dr. Grillo became fascinated with microsurgery and the amazing results that eye surgery could provide. In 2018, Mason Eye Institute bestowed upon him the Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Grillo returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2019 and joined a private practice in Eugene, Oregon prior to moving to the Olympia/Lacey area in the summer of 2022.
He is joined by his wife Kasumi, and his children Mila, Maya, and Michael. Dr. Grillo’s favorite pastimes include aquatic activities such as scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. In his free time, he also enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, hunting, and cooking.
Chanteria Puryear, Patient Counselor
I am the patient counselor at Aurora LASIK. I’m here to help you along your way to freedom from glasses and guarantee to give you a good laugh along the way. I’m also a Master Esthetician so I’m obsessed with skincare and self-care!
LIKES: New adventures, laughter, skincare, family and friends and of course a great glass of wine.
DISLIKES: Traffic
Jasper Smiley, Patient Services Representative
I am the first impression out of the gate! I will set the initial tone for your visit, treat you like the queen or king you are and ensure all your information, appointments and care are handled promptly. All while having some incredible conversations before you head to the back with our amazing staff!
LIKES: Water, Time with my family, Mini cows, Adventures.
DISLIKES: Bad drivers, Close-mindedness, Overly negative energy, Large crowds
Katie Vira, Refractive Technician
I will try and not make a spectacle of myself but in all seriousness I’m really excited to be a part of your vision correction journey! I will be here to help you during your vision correction procedure and assist Dr. Rudd in the surgery suite. If you need anything during your time at Aurora or beyond please let me know.
LIKES: Kayaking or anything water related, caffeine, hanging out with family, friends, and my puppy!
DISLIKES: Waking up early, snakes, rodents, and mushrooms!
Randi Angwood, Refractive Technician
I will welcome you back to start your exam and get scans of your eyes. You will find me getting things ready for clinic for the day or prepping things for surgery. I enjoy helping people and will be asking how we can help you achieve your vision goals. Enjoy watching patients vision journeys.
LIKES: Spending time with family and friends. Camping, boating and hiking.
DISLIKES: Negativity, mice and bad coffee
Tanya Klemmer, Patient Service Representative
I will be the one who greets you with a friendly smile when you first come into Aurora LASIK. I will check you in for your appointment and am here to assist with anything you may need to help your experience be AMAZING, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
DISLIKES: Heights, Snakes, Spiders, Rain (LOL), Mushrooms, Olives, and Pineapple
Dakota Saldomridge, Refractive Technician
I will be one of the welcoming faces that will be preparing you for your visit with the Doctors, I’m a little socially awkward and will fill our time babbling about the weather and your upcoming plans. Eye wish you the best!
LIKES: Spending time with my husband and family, playing video games, reading and long walks on the beach.
DISLIKES: Spiders, rain/cloudy weather, and waking up to a cold house.
Candace Galway, COA
I will assist you on your vision journey from taking your scans to assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery. I guess you could say I am pretty important but I can still make a lot of jokes about eyes… I have a Vitreous humor.
LIKES: Iced coffee, reading on the back porch, exploring new places
DISLIKES: Loud noises, spiders/bugs
Mary Gadsden, Refractive Technician
I will be the one who helps you through your consultation, evaluation and after surgery appointments! Basically I will walk you through the whole process, except surgery, we will leave that up to Dr. Rudd. Can’t wait to help you through your vision correction journey!!
LIKES: Anything Outdoors! Exploring, My dogs & Anyone else’s dogs!
DISLIKES: Pessimists, snakes, anything closely related to snakes.
Dr. Angela Triebold
Dr. Angela Triebold received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon. Prior to coming to Aurora LASIK, Dr. Triebold helped establish the warfighter Regractive Eye Surgery Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fr. Lewis in 2002. She continued to practice at Madigan for 16 years, ensuring combat vision readiness for service members who had LASIK, PRK, or ICL surgery. During her tenure there, Dr. Triebold served as research coordinator for the refractive program and helped train opthalmology residents and optometry externs. She has also practiced full-scope primary care optometry in addition to refractive surgery co-management.
Compassionate, dedicated and with a positive attitude, Dr. Triebold believes that communication is key to providing quality patient care and building trust in a patient-physician relationship. She loves living in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking, camping with her family and friends, playing the piano, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.