Innovative Non-Laser Eye Surgery Technique as an Alternative to LASIK

Millions of individuals in the United States and worldwide seek corrective eye procedures to improve their vision, ranging from minor blurriness to complete blindness. While many turn to LASIK—a widely used laser-assisted surgery that reshapes the cornea—the procedure comes with certain risks and limitations, including potential side effects and the compromising of the eye's structural integrity.

Recent research presented by Professor Michael Hill from Occidental College introduces a promising alternative known as electromechanical reshaping (EMR). Unlike traditional LASIK procedures that rely on precise laser removal of tissue, EMR involves reshaping the cornea through electrical and chemical modification, eliminating the need for incisions.

The process exploits the properties of collagen-rich tissues, like the cornea, which are held in shape by electrostatic attractions. Applying a small electric potential to these tissues alters their pH by making them more acidic, loosening the tissue structure. When the original pH is restored, the tissue retains the new shape. Previous applications of EMR on rabbit ears and pig skin have demonstrated its versatility, including potential for reversing corneal cloudiness—a condition often requiring full transplants.

In experimental setups, researchers used custom platinum contact lenses as templates over rabbit corneas. When a mild electric current was applied, the corneas adopted the shape of the lens within approximately a minute. Treated animal tissues showed high cell survival rates, and the technique effectively modified the cornea's curvature to mimic improved visual focus. This method could pave the way for less invasive, more affordable, and potentially reversible vision correction procedures.

However, this technology remains in early development stages. Future research will need to involve detailed animal studies, including live subjects, to assess long-term effects and broaden the scope to correct various refractive errors such as astigmatism and different degrees of myopia or hyperopia.

Though current validations are promising, scientific funding limitations pose challenges, delaying further trials. Still, experts like Hill emphasize that EMR could revolutionize refractive surgery by providing a safer, cheaper, and reversible option, bringing us closer to a future without the need for traditional laser procedures.

This innovative method highlights the ongoing advancements in biomedical engineering aimed at improving ophthalmic care, potentially transforming vision correction procedures in the near future.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-alternative-lasik-lasers.html