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Save $1,000 on LASIK — Limited Time Offer. Spots fill in quickly! Schedule today to claim your savings →
Save $1,000 on LASIK — Limited Time Offer. Spots fill in quickly! Schedule today to claim your savings →
LASIK Alternatives
LASIK can be a very effective way to improve vision, and it works well for many people. But at 20/20 Institute, we know it’s not the right choice for everyone.
Every person’s eyes are different, and finding the best solution means working with a team that truly understands your individual needs. We focus on being honest and transparent, showing you all the options that could work for your vision, even if that means recommending something other than LASIK.
While LASIK has helped millions of people see more clearly, it’s not the only option, nor is it always the best fit for everyone. Certain eye conditions, prescriptions, or lifestyle factors can make other types of corrective eye surgery a safer or more effective choice. Things like thin corneas, high nearsightedness, chronic dry eye, or age-related lens changes can all affect which procedure will work best.
At 20/20 Institute, we take the time to understand your eyes and your goals. We offer a range of LASIK alternatives, including Monovision LASIK, EVO ICL, and Refractive Lens Exchange, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs in Denver or Colorado Springs.
“Our practice is truly patient-centered. We consistently make recommendations that are in our patients’ best interests, even if it means suggesting procedures we don’t offer.” — Dr.Danzo
Your vision is personal, and we’re here to help you explore all your options with clarity and confidence.
With over 30 years of doctor-owned expertise, 20/20 Institute is dedicated to delivering patient-first care you can trust. Every step of your vision correction journey is guided by our commitment to safety, comfort, and honest recommendations.
Your Consultation:
Step into a welcoming, no-pressure environment where your questions are encouraged and your concerns are heard. Our team uses advanced diagnostics to thoroughly evaluate your eyes, ensuring that every recommendation is tailored to your unique needs, never a one-size-fits-all approach.
At 20/20 Institute, you’re more than a patient, you’re our priority, every step of the way.
Your Vision Journey:
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most accessible and widely used types of vision correction. As the gold standard, they should always be considered first before exploring surgical vision correction options. However, glasses and contacts come with inconveniences: frequent replacements, potential for breakage, discomfort during sports or outdoor activities, and challenges in Colorado’s dry, dusty climate. Contacts also require daily care to prevent infections and may not be tolerated by everyone.
For those with active lifestyles or seeking a more permanent solution, surgical vision correction may be the best eye correction alternative.
Monovision LASIK is an excellent solution for people experiencing presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. This advanced custom LASIK adjusts one eye for distance and the other for near tasks, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Patients who adapt well often find Monovision liberating, enjoying a natural range of sight for most activities, without juggling multiple pairs of glasses.
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs or EVO ICLs) are placed inside the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, especially for those with high prescriptions or thin corneas who may not be LASIK candidates. This reversible, FDA-approved procedure offers immediate, high-definition vision and a quick recovery. ICLs work in harmony with your natural eye, providing a smooth, durable solution for many patients aged 21 to 45.
RLE is typically reserved for patients 50+ or those with lens-related vision changes who are not ideal LASIK candidates. The procedure replaces the natural lens with an FDA-approved intraocular lens (IOL), similar to cataract surgery. Premium IOLs can address astigmatism and a range of vision needs, though some uses are considered “off-label.” The decision to proceed with RLE should be made in partnership with your doctor, weighing the risks and benefits for your unique eyes.
PRK is a well-established type of corrective eye surgery and a trusted alternative for patients who may not qualify for LASIK, especially those with thin corneas or certain corneal surface issues. Instead of creating a flap like LASIK, PRK gently removes the outer layer of the cornea and uses a laser to reshape the surface. Recovery is a bit longer than LASIK, but PRK can offer excellent results for the right candidates, with less risk of flap-related complications.
While we specialize in various corrective eye surgery types such as LASIK, Monovision LASIK, RLE, and ICLs, we recognize that every patient’s needs are unique. During your free consultation at any of our Denver or Colorado Springs locations, we can discuss additional surgical vision correction options, even those not offered in-house. These include:
If the best solution for you isn’t available at 20/20 Institute, we’ll guide you to reputable local providers who can deliver the care you need. Our Denver-based team is dedicated to ensuring every patient receives the optimal solution for their vision goals.
Every set of eyes and lifestyle is unique. The best eye correction choice depends on several personal and medical factors. Use this quick comparison to see how the main options stack up:
| Option | Ideal Candidates | Pros | Cons | Lifestyle Fit (Denver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eyeglasses | All ages, any prescription | Non-invasive, affordable | Can break, fog, or get lost | May hinder outdoor activities |
| Contact Lenses | Most ages, healthy eyes | No frames, good vision | Dryness, daily care needed | Can be uncomfortable in dry air |
| Monovision LASIK | 40+, presbyopia | Reduces reading glasses | Adaptation period, not for all | Great for multitaskers, active |
| ICL/EVO ICL | 21–45, high Rx, thin cornea | Reversible, sharp vision | Surgery, rare complications | Excellent for active lifestyles |
| RLE | 50+, lens changes | Permanent, treats cataracts | Surgery, cost, "off-label" uses | Good for aging eyes, low upkeep |
| PRK | Thin corneas, active lifestyles | No corneal flap, safe for certain eyes | Longer recovery, initial discomfort | For certain patients with high trauma risk lifestyles |
Candidacy depends on your age, prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. For example, ICL/EVO ICL is often ideal for people ages 21–45 with high prescriptions or thin corneas, while RLE is best for those 50+ or with lens-related changes. Our doctors will thoroughly evaluate your eyes and lifestyle to recommend the safest, most effective option for you.
All vision correction procedures have some risks, such as dry eyes, glare, or infection. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but each procedure has its own considerations. We’ll walk you through every detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Recovery times vary. LASIK and EVO ICL often offer quick visual recovery—many patients return to normal activities within a day or two. RLE may require a bit more downtime. Living in Denver’s dry climate, you may need extra eye hydration after surgery, and we’ll give you tailored tips for a smooth recovery.
Most vision correction procedures are considered elective and not covered by standard insurance. However, we offer transparent pricing and flexible financing options to make your procedure accessible. Our team will review all costs with you during your consultation.
Many patients enjoy life without glasses or contacts after surgery, but some may still need them for certain activities or as they age. We’ll set realistic expectations based on your eyes and chosen procedure.
We’ll give you detailed instructions before your procedure typically, this means avoiding contact lenses for a period and arranging a ride home on surgery day. Bring your questions and your vision goals to your consultation; we want to help you make the choice that fits your lifestyle.
Schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation with Denver’s trusted vision correction experts today.
Call us at 720-704-4306, book online, or visit one of our convenient locations in Westminster, Downtown LoDo, Denver Tech Center, or Colorado Springs.
We’re here to answer all your questions and help you find the best path to clear vision, no pressure, just honest guidance and support from start to finish.
Our Westminster office is conveniently located off Church Ranch Way, near the Boulder Turnpike. Our Westminster, Church Ranch location provides easy access from many of Denver’s surrounding towns, including: Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lafayette, Erie, Superior, Longmont, Thornton, Broomfield, and Boulder.
Our downtown office is located right in the middle of Denver’s LoDo district. Our downtown location provides easy access from many of Denver’s neighborhoods, including: Five Points, Capitol Hill, The Highlands, Washington Park, Auraria, Cheesman Park, Commerce City, LoHi, RiNo, Baker, City Park, Whittier, and Congress Park.
Our Denver Tech Center (DTC) office is located near the intersection of Belleview Ave and I- 25. There is plenty of free surface parking for extra convenience. Our DTC location provides easy access from many of Denver’s surrounding towns, including: Greenwood Village, Centennial, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Parker.
20/20 Institute in Colorado Springs is not your ordinary LASIK provider. Entirely focused on the patient experience, our attentive staff and visionary doctors have carefully designed every aspect of our practice for optimal comfort and exceptional service. From our advanced technology to our transparent and caring approach, we are committed to helping you see the world more clearly.