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LASIK Eye Surgery

Using the latest in vision correction technology, our LASIK specialists help patients in Birmingham and Huntsville achieve crisp, clear sight with vision correction surgery.

According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of people who undergo LASIK eye surgery achieve vision that is 20/20 or better.

LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reduce or eliminate your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, helps focus light on the retina at the back of the eye for sharp vision. LASIK improves vision by correcting the shape of the cornea in eyes that do not have light correctly focused on the retina. LASIK is the most well-known of the available vision correction options.

LASIK laser eye surgery can help patients reduce dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses by correcting refractive errors, which are the most common type of vision problems:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
  • Astigmatism

Since it was invented more than 30 years ago, and FDA approved more than 20 years ago, LASIK has been studied extensively for safety and efficacy. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, LASIK has an excellent safety track record, with a complication rate below 1%. In fact, studies show that wearing contact lenses introduces a higher risk of certain complications, such as microbial keratitis, when compared to LASIK. Many eye doctors choose to have LASIK themselves and recommend LASIK for their family members.

The benefits of clear vision are endless. More than 96% of LASIK patients report happiness with their improved vision. While each patient has a unique experience with LASIK, benefits include:

  • Immediate results
  • Long-term vision correction
  • Greater ease working out and playing sports
  • Freedom from the hassle of glasses, contact lenses, and accessories
  • Convenience of waking up with great vision
  • Increased self-confidence for people who don’t like the way they look in glasses
  • Enhanced career opportunities for people interested in certain careers such as military, outdoor, and active work

Your Birmingham and Huntsville LASIK Team

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LASIK is a great option for many patients, and you may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a prescription that has not changed much in the past year
  • Are in good overall health, with no history of eye disease

Take our quick candidacy quiz to learn if LASIK may be right for you!

If you learn at your consultation appointment that LASIK is not an option for you, there may be alternative vision correction procedures that are suitable for you. Your eye doctor can tell you more about which procedures may best meet your needs:

EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer™ Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye. The lens, which is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens, is implanted in the eye during a 20 to 30 minute procedure. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 1 million EVO ICL lenses have been implanted.

ReLEx® SMILE from ZEISS is the first and only small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) laser vision correction solution currently available. SMILE is a minimally-invasive procedure that can treat low to high amounts of myopia (-1 to -10). The procedure removes a small piece of the cornea to reshape the eye in minutes, with the laser only taking 30 seconds of the time. This next generation technology only requires one laser, which makes it very precise and comfortable.

SMILE and LASIK are roughly the same cost, have similar healing times, have similar side effects, and correct refractive errors within about the same range, typically to 20/25 or better. While LASIK works for many people, it is not a perfect solution for some. As a result, more forms of laser vision correction have been developed, like the SMILE procedure. If you are looking for laser eye surgery to correct your refractive error, it is important to know the differences between these options so you can discuss them with your ophthalmologist.

Refractive Lens Exchange allows patients to restore their near, intermediate, and far vision with an implantable, multi-focal lens that replaces the eye’s crystalline lens. This procedure is especially suited for patients over 45 who haven’t yet developed cataracts, but are far-sighted and dependent on bi-focals or tri-focals. Since the eye’s natural lens is replaced, Refractive Lens Exchange patients will never develop cataracts.

The Refractive Lens Exchange procedure takes about 15 minutes and is performed one eye at a time on separate visits. Surgery in the second eye can usually be performed as soon as one to two weeks later. The eye’s natural lens is removed using gentle ultrasound energy, and is replaced with an artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). Most patients see improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, and experience continued improvement for the next three to six months. Following the procedure, discomfort is typically mild with no need for pain medication.

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA or PRK) is a safer option for patients who have thin corneas or high prescriptions, making it a great procedure for those who are not candidates for LASIK. ASA/PRK can be a good choice for those who play contact sports, those with careers or career aspirations in aviation, or military personnel. The ASA procedure is similar to LASIK with a few differences that your eye doctor can review with you. ASA patients may experience slightly more discomfort than LASIK patients and the results are not as immediate. You may have blurred vision for about five days following the procedure, but optimal vision is usually reached within one to three months.

Patients find LASIK to be a painless procedure, with immediate results. Our team will ensure you feel comfortable and prepared each step of the way.

Before LASIK

Getting ready for LASIK is simple. During your consultation appointment, our experienced LASIK surgeon will learn more about you and check your eyes to ensure that LASIK is right for you. We will also answer any questions you have. Once your LASIK appointment is scheduled, our team will give you detailed preoperative instructions.

During LASIK

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, and the actual surgery takes as little as 15 minutes per eye.

  • Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
  • A painless device will be used to keep your eyes open during surgery.
  • Your surgeon will create a thin, hinged flap on the outermost layer of the cornea.
  • Your surgeon will use a very precise laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
  • The corneal flap will then be repositioned and begin to heal immediately.

Recovery After LASIK

LASIK recovery is typically quick and easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You will need to have a friend or family member drive you home.
  • Many patients return to work, driving, and many day-to-day activities one day after surgery. 
  • It is normal to experience minor discomfort and blurred vision in the hours after LASIK surgery, but these side effects are temporary and will subside. 
  • You will need to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise and swimming, for one to two weeks.  
  • Complete recovery can take up to six months after the procedure for your eyes to fully heal. Still, you’ll notice clear, crisp vision long before that.

Our team will give you detailed postoperative instructions and schedule you for a follow-up appointment.

At Alabama Vision Center, we know how important affordable vision care is to our patients. We also understand that each patient has unique needs and goals.

The cost of LASIK can vary based on your personalized treatment plan. We will give you transparent pricing information, as well as financing options, at your consultation appointment.

Schedule a free consultation appointment with your Birmingham and Huntsville LASIK eye doctors to better understand what your LASIK procedure will cost at Alabama Vision Center.

Did you know that LASIK can save you money over the long term when compared to the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses?

LASIK Patient Education

Who Should Not Have LASIK?

During your eye exam, your doctor will check for any sign of eye conditions that may disqualify you for LASIK, such as thin corneas, keratoconus, glaucoma, or severe dry eye disease. If it turns out that LASIK isn’t right for you, your eye doctor may be able to recommend another vision correction procedure.

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

LASIK is generally considered a quick and comfortable procedure. Most patients find that the anesthetic eye drops applied before the surgery ensure no pain during the procedure. You might feel a sensation of pressure or experience dimming of your vision at various points in the procedure.

Will My Insurance Cover LASIK?

Most medical and vision insurance plans consider LASIK to be elective and therefore do not cover it. However, you can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for LASIK, or you can take advantage of our financing options.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation at Alabama Vision Center

At Alabama Vision Center, we believe you deserve the best vision care possible. We are here to answer any questions and help you achieve better vision. Call us at (888) 841-3937 or book an appointment online.

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