What corrective eye procedure would you not treat with a laser, even though it is commonly performed?

It would help to know more precisely what you mean by "corrective eye procedure." I presume you are referring to myopia/astigmatism correcting surgery (like LASIK) and not glaucoma or cataract surgery.

If so, there are several procedures that can be done to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism without a laser. One is the ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). This is the insertion of a soft contact lens-like lens into the eye, behind the pupil. It works like a contact lens works, but cannot be felt or seen because of its internal location. Another is PreLex®, which is much like a cataract/lens implant operation. Unlike the ICL, in this procedure, the natural lens is removed (usually when it starts to become clouded from cataract) and is replaced by an artificial, soft plastic lens. These can be selected to also correct any myopia, astigmatism, and even in many cases, Presbyopia.

Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic