LASIK Near Birmingham, AL

Most vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are directly related to the shape of the cornea. When the cornea is misshaped, light cannot be focused properly on the retina, causing vision to become blurry. LASIK addresses that problem so you can see well without needing corrective lenses. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses) is the surgical reshaping of the cornea — the clear coating over the eyeball.

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi is excited to offer LASIK with the Zeiss VisuMax® Femtosecond Laser for men and women in Vestavia Hills, AL. Reach out to Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to book a private consultation and get started with our team. We have helped countless people in the Greater Birmingham area and look forward to helping you reach your best vision.

There are many reasons patients decide to undergo LASIK surgery. It’s generally a safe procedure, and it provides significant benefits. From improved vision to a life free from glasses and contact lenses, you won’t regret your decision to undergo this cutting-edge treatment at Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center. Some common benefits include:

• Almost immediate vision improvement
• Less time and resources spent on corrective lenses
• Minimally invasive procedure
• No stitches or bandages required
• High success rate
• Improved quality of life and daily activities (such as swimming, playing sports, etc.)

Some people are hesitant to undergo LASIK because they are concerned about a lengthy and painful procedure. However, the Zeiss VisuMax Femtosecond Laser is an innovative laser system known for providing comprehensive results with minimal discomfort. Unlike other technologies, this platform works quickly and is highly precise – reducing treatment time without compromising your safety or results. Our practice is the only provider in the state of Alabama where you will find the Zeiss VisuMax Femtosecond Laser.

Only a trained ophthalmologist like Dr. Choi can confirm if someone is an ideal candidate for LASIK in Birmingham, AL. Of course, there are some general guidelines patients should follow before undergoing the procedure. Generally, the best candidates include those who:

• Are 18+ years old
• Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year
• Are in overall good health
• Have healthy eyes
• Have corneas with enough thickness
• Have a prescription of -11 to +5 and 5 diopters for astigmatism
• Are not pregnant or nursing
• Do not have uncontrolled diabetes

Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center begins each LASIK procedure by numbing the eyes with a special solution, then placing a ring-shaped device on top of the eye to prevent blinking. Dr. Choi then uses the VisuMax laser to create a small flap in the cornea. This flap is gently moved back so we can reshape and reform the underlying tissue. The cornea should heal naturally once the flap is put back into place. After the procedure, you should notice improved vision without glasses or contacts. Best of all, most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during LASIK and are often very pleased with their results.

The LASIK procedure is designed to correct the overall shape of the cornea. As such, it can correct any related issues caused by refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), presbyopia, and astigmatism. However, LASIK will not be able to correct other ocular problems, such as amblyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and keratoconus. If you're experiencing any of these issues, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Choi to determine the procedure that would best fit your needs.

Mild but temporary side effects like stinging and irritation are common once the numbing solution wears off, but we encourage patients not to rub their eyes. Taking a long nap is the most effective way to protect your eyes during the first few hours of recovery. You may also experience sensitivity to light and blurry vision for several days, but these symptoms should subside quickly.

LASIK surgery has a 96% success rate, which means patients should experience clearer vision almost immediately. However, hazy vision is possible for the first 24 hours. The corneas will continue to heal over the following 7 – 14 days. Dr. Choi can provide an antibiotic and moisturizing eye drops to ensure optimal healing after LASIK in Birmingham, AL. We can also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Does the LASIK procedure hurt?

Prior to your LASIK procedure, Dr. Choi will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops. This means LASIK should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, you may feel a slight pressure around your eyes during treatment. Our team will also provide ways to make your recovery as easy and seamless as possible.

Is LASIK safe?

Dr. Choi is a highly trained ophthalmologist, having performed countless successful surgeries. His expertise and attention to detail ensure you receive unmatched care and support during and after LASIK. The procedure itself is widely considered safe and has a very low rate of complications (~1%). Common side effects such as glare, haziness, or dry eye are temporary and often go away within weeks.

How long does LASIK vision correction last?

Several factors contribute to the longevity of your LASIK results. These include age, eye health and overall health, and any medical conditions that impact your vision. Some patients achieve results that last a lifetime, while others enjoy outcomes for about 10 – 20 years.

Can you get LASIK more than once?

Yes, you can. It is common for patients to have additional LASIK procedures, usually 10 – 20 years after the initial procedure. The number of treatments you receive depends on your eye health and cornea thickness.

How much does LASIK cost?

The cost of LASIK depends on the severity of your refractive error and how significantly the cornea needs to be reshaped. Our office offers bladeless LASIK surgery, which will also affect the price. During your initial consultation, our team can provide an estimate of your costs and discuss all of your payment options. Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of LASIK since it is considered elective surgery. However, our office accepts most major credit cards and CareCredit. 

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The LASIK procedure itself only takes about 10 minutes per eye, but you should make plans to be in our office for about an hour and a half on the day of your surgery.

How soon can I resume normal activities after LASIK?

Most patients can return to normal activities 24 – 48 hours after LASIK surgery with some minor restrictions. Dr. Choi will advise you on how to best recover, but restrictions often include avoiding swimming, contact sports, strenuous exercise, and limiting computer screen time.

Now you can experience the freedom of clear vision without corrective lenses! Recent developments in LASIK technology (such as the Zeiss VisuMax Femtosecond Laser) allow more people to receive corrective eye surgery without worrying about the risks or complications. If you live in the area of Birmingham, AL, Call Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to book a LASIK consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Young H. Choi and see if LASIK can meet your vision needs. Our Vestavia Hills, AL office is dedicated to providing excellent patient care every step of the way.