LASIK Eye Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Elevate your vision with specialized LASIK laser eye surgery at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) corrects refractive errors that coincide with many widespread vision issues. The top-performing vision correction procedure uses the advanced Zeiss VisuMax® Femtosecond Laser to sharpen eyesight and potentially eliminate the need for corrective eyewear or contact lenses.

Dr. Choi is the only LASIK surgeon who practices with the VisuMax® laser in Alabama, making him a leader in the field of LASIK in Birmingham. His specialized expertise as an experienced LASIK surgeon sets him apart, enabling him to offer patients optimal vision through advanced technology to enhance their quality of life.

Why Choose LASIK at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center?

Dr. Choi owns and is the medical director here at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, and we have been in practice for over 15 years. We serve Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, and surrounding Birmingham residents. Dr. Choi’s personalized patient care approach and expertise in refractive surgeries make him one of Alabama’s most sought-after LASIK surgeons for various vision problems.

LASIK is a surgical procedure recommended for patients suffering from an extensive range of eye conditions, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia, and astigmatism (abnormally shaped corneal surface). Dr. Choi can provide a comprehensive examination to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your vision needs. 

Ready to see the difference without your glasses? Complete our online form or give us a call to request a consultation at our LASIK vision institute.

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LASIK Laser Eye Surgery: How Does It Achieve Results? 

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure offered to patients to treat ocular problems caused by refractive errors. A refractive error occurs when the eyes cannot refract or bend light correctly. The shape of the eye’s natural lens or your cornea keeps the light from bending properly, causing blurred vision. 

LASIK works with two lasers to alter the shape of the cornea to address common ocular conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients often refer to this procedure as life-changing due to its outstanding visual outcomes. 

The Entire Procedure in a Few Short Steps:

1. One of the VisuMax® lasers creates a small flap in the cornea.
2. The other laser restructures the underlying corneal tissue to improve how rays of light focus on the retina.
3. The flap reattaches on its own, where it will begin to heal. 

Patients should experience significantly better vision within 24 hours. Around 9 out of 10 LASIK surgeries result in the patients seeing with 20/20 vision (for the first time or again) without the help of glasses or contact lenses.

Learn more in our blog: What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is one of many vision correction options recommended by eye surgeons. It is minimally invasive and has a high success rate, making it a popular choice for many patients. Suitable candidates for LASIK surgery are:

• Those 18 years of age or older (preferably over the age of 21, when vision has stabilized)


• Must have a stable vision prescription without significant changes in the past year


• Must not be pregnant or nursing (vision changes can occur during pregnancy)


• Must have relatively healthy eyes (no active eye diseases) with thick corneas

Read: The Importance of Cornea Thickness for LASIK Surgery

During your eye exam, Dr. Choi can advise whether LASIK is right for you. We offer a comprehensive collection of refractive surgeries that provide optimal outcomes for every kind of patient. If LASIK does not meet your needs, we have another option that does. Browse our blog to learn more about Who Can and Cannot Get LASIK Eye Surgery.

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LASIK Procedure – The Steps to Clearer Vision

Once your eye surgeon has tested your vision, measured your cornea, and checked your overall eye health to confirm that LASIK is the most effective choice to achieve optimal results, here’s what you can expect during your LASIK surgery: 

1. Eye preparation: Dr. Choi will apply anesthetic eye drops to your eyes for numbing and set an eyelid holder in place to keep you from blinking. 
2. Corneal Flap Creation: The VisuMax® laser creates a thin corneal flap.
3. Cornea Reshaping: Dr. Choi will lift and hold the flap back. Then, using the laser, he will reshape the cornea using measurements programmed exactly for your eyes. After reshaping the cornea, Dr. Choi will reposition it back into place.

The quick, minimally invasive procedure requires no stitches or bandages, so you’ll be in and out in no time. 

Learn more: What Will My Vision Be Like After LASIK?

LASIK Benefits Patients Like You 

Patients choose LASIK because it addresses an extensive range of ocular problems. Its recognition in the eye care industry reflects its long-term effectiveness and patient satisfaction, leading to significantly improved vision for many. Here’s how LASIK benefits patients just like you:

• The operation potentially eliminates the need for contact lenses or glasses
• The procedure yields fast, almost immediate results, with minimal healing time
• It’s an ideal treatment for those with active lifestyles who need a quick recovery with limited downtime

Check out some of our patient testimonials here to hear about their positive experiences with life-changing results.

LASIK Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After the operation, you will need someone to drive you home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Here’s what to expect after the procedure and our simple aftercare instructions:

What to Expect: Some patients may experience mild but temporary side effects after surgery. Others report feeling perfectly fine shortly after the procedure. You may experience some of the following:

• For a few hours, your eyes may feel scratchy, or you may experience burning sensations
• Blurry vision for a few days following the operation
• Light sensitivity during the first 24 hours

Aftercare: Post-op guidelines are simple, but patients must follow them accordingly:

• Take your antibiotic and moisturizing eye drops as prescribed by your eye doctor 
• Avoid touching your eyes or engaging in physical activities for a few days
• Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process is progressing smoothly

We recommend napping after the procedure to protect your eyes during the first few hours of recovery. Here are some activities to avoid: Three Activities to Avoid After Lasik Eye Surgery

Which Laser Vision Correction Procedure Should You Choose?

There are multiple options for laser vision correction surgery. Among our most popular procedures are LASIK, SMILE, and ICL. Our goal is to find the right treatment for you.

Not sure which procedure is the right one for you? We’ll gladly help you explore your options in a consultation at our office. 

Dr. Choi Is the Eye Doctor You Can Trust

Dr. Choi is an expert in his field and has a background in ophthalmology, glaucoma treatment, and refractive cataract surgery. He has over 15 years of experience and specializes in refractive lens exchange, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), goniotomy for congenital glaucoma, and laser cataract surgery. 

To further his knowledge, Dr. Choi completed a focused fellowship in refractive surgery to gain specialty training in modern LASIK procedures. He continues to advance his expertise by staying up-to-date on the newest technological advances in ocular care. His specialization in refractive procedures like LASIK and SMILE qualifies him as a trusted leader in our community, delivering exceptional results to patients with varied needs.

LASIK Financing Options and Insurance Coverage Information

At this time, Medicare, traditional health insurance, and standard vision insurance plans consider LASIK surgery a nonmedically necessary, elective procedure and do not cover it.

Our team will evaluate you at your initial consultation, free of charge, to determine whether you are a candidate for LASIK. If you are eligible and choose to undergo the LASIK procedure with us at our surgery center, the total cost is your responsibility.  

Still, there are ways to make out-of-pocket costs for LASIK more affordable through alternative financing options, such as Medical Credit Cards (e.g., CareCredit), where a lender pays your bill in full to our surgery center when it is due, and you repay them (the lender) in smaller payments over time. The difference between this and paying with a traditional credit card is that Medical Credit Cards have a much lower interest rate, if any (depending on how quickly you pay off the credit charges). However, you must manage external financing arrangements with lenders independently before your surgery so that you are approved and we receive the full payment when your bill is due. To be clear: we do not offer financing directly or endorse any independent medical financing lender.

Have specific questions about costs and insurance coverage? Schedule your free LASIK evaluation and consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options and your costs before you decide anything.

Patient Testimonials

I just had LASIK surgery last week, and Dr. Choi and all his staff were so kind and wonderful. Dr. Choi is truly an artist in his field.”

– L.B.

You are in good hands with Dr. Choi. He has a rare gift. Not only as a highly skilled surgeon but also as a kind, patient, caring physician. His kindness is reflected through his awesome staff. AND I CAN SEE! For the first time in my life, I can see the leaves on the trees, the individual flowers, my husband’s eyelashes! Thanks for a priceless gift.”

– J.D.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation 

Young H. Choi Eye Surgery Center is Birmingham’s leading destination for ophthalmological care, where advanced solutions meet patient-centered support. Our expertise in laser vision correction and advanced treatment options ensures personalized care for every kind of patient. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to clear vision, request a consultation online or call us today!