Queens, NY Give Cohen Eye Institute a phone call at (718) 550-3305
Manhattan, NY Give Cohen Eye Institute a phone call at (646) 891-1441
Old Bridge, NJ Give Cohen Eye Institute a phone call at (732) 540-1754
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LASIK Alternatives: Tailored Solutions for Clearer Vision

Not everyone’s eyes or lifestyle align perfectly with the requirements for LASIK surgery. At Cohen Eye Institute, we offer a full spectrum of surgical-grade vision correction alternatives, each designed to meet different refractive needs, eye conditions, and personal preferences.

Under the care of Dr. Ilan Cohen, a fellowship-trained cornea specialist who has performed over 80,000 procedures, we match each patient with the procedure that maximizes both safety and clarity. From international travelers to high-profile professionals, people seek Dr. Cohen’s expertise when precision truly matters.

Whether you have thin corneas, a high prescription, or concerns about flap-based procedures, our mission is to provide individualized care with the highest surgical standards because you shouldn’t have to settle for “good enough” when clearer vision is within reach.

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Why LASIK Isn't Right for Everyone

LASIK is an excellent option for many, but not all, patients. Certain factors may make LASIK less ideal or even inadvisable, including:

  • Irregular or thin corneas
  • Chronic dry eye
  • Involvement in contact sports
  • Extremely high prescriptions

At Cohen Eye Institute, we don’t push a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine which approach best balances safety, visual outcome, and long-term satisfaction.

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Dr. Cohen did a wonderful job with my eyes. I can see clearly and I’m enjoying the way everything looks. His staff is amazing and very professional. You are treated with respect and kindness. Great people. 

Elizabeth T.

Enhance Your Vision

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Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Ilan Cohen

President and Medical Director

Meet Dr. Ilan Cohen
Dr. Cohen

Dr. Nancy Argano

Clinic Leader, Old Bridge

Meet Dr. Nancy Argano
Dr. Argano

Dr. Nathalie Chen

Dry Eye Clinic Leader, Old Bridge

Meet Dr. Nathalie Chen
Dr. Chen

Dr. Krishna Morar

Clinic Leader, Ridgewood

Meet Dr. Krishna Morar
Dr. Morar

Dr. Brian Krawitz

Glaucoma Specialist

Meet Dr. Brian Krawitz

Effective Alternatives to LASIK

Each procedure below is designed with a specific patient or eye anatomy in mind, offering excellent outcomes when LASIK isn’t the best fit.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK reshapes the cornea's surface rather than creating a flap, making it an excellent option for individuals with thinner corneas or who engage in activities where eye trauma is risky. While initial recovery can be slightly longer compared to LASIK, PRK can deliver comparable outcomes in terms of visual acuity.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lens-shaped disk within the cornea. The surgeon then removes this “lenticule” through a tiny incision. By preserving more corneal integrity, SMILE may reduce certain risks associated with flap creation.

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

For individuals with very high prescriptions or dry eyes, EVO ICL can be a great solution. An artificial lens is placed behind the iris to correct nearsightedness, offering crisp vision without permanently altering corneal tissue. It's also removable if future vision changes require another approach.

RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)

RLE replaces the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It's a popular choice for older adults who may already be dealing with early cataracts or presbyopia. RLE can significantly reduce reliance on glasses across different distances by addressing multiple vision issues simultaneously.

Dr. Cohen will guide you toward the best fit based on your corneal shape, prescription, and visual goals.

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Why Choose Cohen Eye Institute?

At Cohen Eye Institute, we offer more than basic alternatives. We offer clarity through experience, precision, and personalized care.

  • 100% surgical focus: Dr. Cohen’s entire career is devoted to vision correction, not general eye care.
  • Elite-level trust: More than 1,000 physicians have chosen Dr. Cohen for their eye surgeries.
  • Surgical excellence across modalities: Whether it’s LASIK, EVO ICL, or RLE, you’ll receive expert-level care with proven outcomes.
  • Comprehensive diagnostics: We use detailed imaging and analysis to uncover the best procedure for your unique anatomy.

When it comes to your vision, seeing a top-tier surgical expert makes all the difference, not just in safety but in lasting clarity.

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Our Locations

Ridgewood, Queens, NY

5650 Myrtle Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385

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Manhattan, NY

551 5th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10176

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Old Bridge, NJ

28 Throckmorton Lane, Suite 103-104
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

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Frequently Asked Questions LASIK Alternatives

Do these LASIK alternatives take longer to recover from?

Recovery time depends on the procedure. PRK may take longer initially, while SMILE and EVO ICL often offer rapid improvement.

Are these alternatives more expensive than LASIK?

Costs vary. Some alternatives include premium components not covered by insurance, but we offer transparent pricing and flexible financing to help you plan.

Can I still qualify for LASIK in the future if I choose an alternative now?

Yes, especially if you choose a reversible option like EVO ICL. Your long-term eligibility depends on how your vision changes.

Is SMILE safer than standard LASIK?

Both are safe in experienced hands. SMILE may offer specific benefits (like less dryness) to the right candidates.

How do I know which alternative is best for me?

Schedule a consultation. Dr. Cohen will evaluate your eyes using advanced diagnostics and recommend the best safety, clarity, and longevity option.

Enhancing Your Vision

Guiding you toward the procedure that fits your unique needs, so you can see the world clearly and confidently.

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Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 917-398-4011.
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