What is LASIK?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an advanced outpatient procedure that uses lasers to improve vision by reshaping the cornea. More than 90% of people who undergo LASIK eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better. Study shows up to 98% of patients are satisfied with their LASIK results.¹ A LASIK surgeon at Alabama Vision Center has performed many laser eye surgery procedures and is dedicated to using the safest, most effective, and most advanced technology available to help deliver the best vision.

What Does LASIK Treat?

The LASIK procedure can help reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses by correcting:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia)

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

• Astigmatism 

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

To determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK, your Alabama Vision Center eye doctor will conduct a thorough examination with specialized diagnostic testing and scans. The ideal LASIK candidate:

• Is at least 18 years of age

• Has stable vision (no eye prescription change in the past year)

• Has a vision correction need that is treatable with LASIK (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)

• Has healthy corneas and good overall eye health

Patients typically not eligible for LASIK include those with the following conditions:

• Dry eye disease

• Some Autoimmune disorders such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome (verify with your eye doctor)

• Corneal ulcers or corneal abrasion

• Glaucoma

• Corneal implant

• Keratoconus

Wondering if LASIK might be a good option for you? Schedule a consultation with our expert Alabama Vision Center eye doctors to see if you could experience the joy of sight in a whole new way. If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, we offer other vision correction options for your unique eyes

Alternative Refractive Surgery Options at Alabama Vision Center

If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, we offer a number of alternative refractive surgery options that may be right for you.

EVO Lens - Huntsville, AL

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. Learn more about the EVO ICL procedure here.

ReLEx SMILE - Huntsville, AL

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 (RLE) - Birmingham and Huntsville, AL

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) - Birmingham, AL

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.