888-841-3937
205-991-2025LASIK Eye Surgery in Birmingham and Huntsville, AL
Birmingham and Huntsville LASIK Surgery Centers
Have you dreamed of a life where you’re less dependent on glasses and contact lenses? With LASIK, this could be your reality. Using the latest in vision correction technology, the experienced LASIK eye surgeons at Alabama Vision Center in and around the Birmingham, Alabama area are here to help you achieve crisp, clear vision.
Schedule a consultation today to see if you qualify for LASIK eye surgery or alternative refractive procedures.
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 of 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.
All-Laser LASIK Technology
We know that no two eyes are alike—so why should your treatment be any different? At Alabama Vision Center, we offer a personalized approach to your vision correction. Our all-laser procedure incorporates advanced wavefront technology to create a 3D map of your cornea. This gives us measurements as much as 25 times more precise, to deliver a one-of-a-kind LASIK procedure tailored to your eyes.² Ask us about customized laser vision correction just for you.
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, click here to learn more about the EVO lens.
Alternative Refractive Surgery Options at Alabama Vision Center
If you’re not a candidate for LASIK, click to learn more about the number of alternative refractive surgery options that may be right for you.
EVO Lens
EVO Visian 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 Visian ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 1 million EVO Visian ICL lenses have been implanted. Learn more about the EVO Vision ICL procedure here.
ReLEx SMILE
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)
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)
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) 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 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, but only takes one step. The doctor uses the state-of-the-art ALLEGRETTO WAVE® Eye-Q to reshape the cornea. 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.
Visian Toric ICL™
The Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) also referred to as an implantable contact lens is an option for patients who have moderate to severe nearsightedness with or without astigmatism that may not be candidates for laser vision correction such as: LASIK, ASA or SMILE. The ICL is implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, is not visible and is made of Collamer®, a biocompatible material that is designed to function in harmony with the natural eye. This alternative delivers sharp, clear vision with the option of surgical reversibility.
Book Your LASIK Eye Surgery Consultation
Looking for LASIK eye surgery providers in Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama? Schedule a consultation with the skilled eye doctors of Alabama Vision Center. We’ll assess your eye health and discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK
No. The anesthetic eye drops applied before the surgery begins ensures that there is no pain during the procedure. You might feel a sensation of pressure or experience dimming of your vision at various points in the procedure.
The cost of LASIK depends on several factors such as whether one or both eyes are being treated, what technology is used, etc. Laser vision correction may be more affordable than you think. When you consider the cost of glasses, contacts, and cleaning solutions, LASIK is a long-term investment that can actually save you money while improving your quality of life. Our goal is to make LASIK affordable for everyone, so we offer flexible financing options as well.
Most medical and vision insurance plans do not cover LASIK, as it is an elective procedure. However, flex spending accounts (FSAs) may be utilized to pay for the surgery using pre-tax dollars.
Arrange for transportation to and from your surgery and your first follow-up visit. You will be asked to keep your eyes closed for the ride home after your procedure. We recommend having a driver for the one-day follow-up visit in case you still feel you have watery or hazy vision the next day.
Yes. LASIK has a satisfaction rate of up to 98%.¹
Our Alabama Vision Center vision centers in Birmingham & Huntsville, AL
Alabama Vision Center has three convenient locations in Alabama. Our skilled Huntsville and Birmingham eye doctors look forward to providing excellent eye care in the communities they continue to serve. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam, LASIK consultation, or shop for your new favorite frames! Learn more.