SMILE Eye Surgery in Birmingham, AL
At Young H. Choi, M.D. Surgery Center, Dr. Choi is a board-certified ophthalmologist renowned for advanced refractive surgery, including laser vision correction practices like LASIK and the innovative SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure. He is recognized as the first ocular surgeon to offer SMILE eye surgery in Birmingham, AL, serving patients across the entire state.
SMILE is an advanced technology created as a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK eye surgery. It features a smaller incision and an accelerated healing process. The procedure is ideal for contact lens wearers, patients with dry eyes, those with a thin corneal flap, and those facing common vision issues.
The primary goal of SMILE is to provide greater visual freedom and improve overall visual outcomes, reducing or even eliminating dependence on corrective eyewear.
What Is SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?
SMILE is a newer advancement in laser eye surgery that primarily corrects refractive errors, particularly nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism (an abnormally shaped corneal surface). The SMILE approach has gained popularity because, unlike LASIK laser eye surgery, it does not involve creating a corneal flap. It reduces the risk of complications and aids in rapid restoration for significantly improved vision, enabling patients to achieve correct vision long-term.
Dr. Choi performs the procedure using the Zeiss VisuMax® laser—the only one of its kind in Alabama. An eye surgeon uses the laser to sculpt a disc-shaped piece of underlying corneal tissue called the lenticle, which is removed through a 2-4 mm incision to reshape the cornea. The procedure improves how light rays focus on the retina, correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism to achieve optimal vision.
Reach out to us today for more information on our unique approach to eye care or to request a consultation for SMILE laser eye surgery in Birmingham and receive a personalized treatment plan.
Who Qualifies for SMILE Laser Vision Correction?
Most patients qualify for SMILE, and we have promising alternative treatment options for those who don’t. Regardless of eligibility, our advanced solutions and individualized care approaches guarantee exceptional outcomes for all our patients. Dr. Choi recommends SMILE for patients who meet the following criteria:
- You need to be 22 years of age or older.
- You should have a stable vision prescription (should not have changed within the past year).
- Up to 3 diopters of astigmatism and nearsightedness between -1 and -10.
- You exhibit thin corneal tissue and are at higher risk for dry eyes.
- Your overall eye health should be generally good.
Not sure which procedure suits you? Read our blog on what makes SMILE a good alternative to LASIK or call one of our specialists to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Choi.
SMILE Insurance Coverage and Financing Options
At this time, Medicare, traditional health insurance, and standard vision insurance plans consider SMILE 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 SMILE. If you are eligible and choose to undergo the SMILE procedure with us at our surgery center, the total cost is your responsibility.
Still, there are ways to make out-of-pocket costs for SMILE 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. We do not offer financing directly or endorse any independent medical financing lender.
Have specific questions about costs and insurance coverage? Book your SMILE evaluation and consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options and costs before you decide.
The Ideal Candidate for SMILE Eye Surgery
SMILE is a next-generation laser vision correction procedure that offers a long-term solution to refractive errors. It’s better suited for a different group of patients than LASIK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.
Primary Target Audiences:
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Young professionals
- Contact lenses or glasses can get in the way of a person’s active lifestyle.
- Recovery time is minimal, so you can return to work in no time.
- Get quick results with minimal post-op discomfort.
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Patients with dry eyes or thin corneas
- Fewer corneal nerves are impacted with SMILE, making it a good option for those with eye dryness.
- SMILE is less invasive and better preserves corneal structure.
- Ideal for patients who may not qualify for LASIK but still want laser correction.
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Tech-savvy patients seeking the latest innovation
- Less invasive and offers better vision sooner.
- Uses cutting-edge advanced technology.
- Potentially eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses.
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Patients worried about flap complications
- SMILE involves no corneal flap, appealing to those concerned about flap dislocation with LASIK.
- Creates a small incision (2-4 mm), making it a safer option for those concerned about weakening corneal tissue.
- Less potential for post-op complications.
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Patients in need of clear vision in the Birmingham area
- Ideal for patients living in or near Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, and Birmingham, looking for advanced laser eye surgery options.
- No need to make travel accommodations.
- Just minutes from home!
Benefits of SMILE Eye Surgery
There are many SMILE laser vision correction benefits, to highlight a few:
- SMILE is an eye surgery with a minimally invasive laser device and does not create a corneal flap.
- Since the incision is small and the cornea is only slightly affected, dry eye symptoms are less common after SMILE than after LASIK.
- Rapid recovery time, most patients have clear vision within 24-48 hours.
- The procedure preserves corneal strength and nerve integrity, minimizing post-op complications similar to other laser-assisted procedures in clinical studies.
- With its high postoperative outcomes and success rates, the SMILE operation is shown to be safe and reliable by industry standards.
What to Expect from the SMILE Procedure
The procedure takes around 10-15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s what to expect:
Preparation: Dr. Choi will numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops to prevent pain during the procedure. He will use an eyelid holder to prevent you from blinking (the numbing drops also reduce the urge to blink).
Laser sculpting for lenticule removal: The Zeiss VisuMax® laser will sculpt and create the lenticule before making the 2-4 mm incision into the cornea. The laser portion of the treatment takes approximately 30 seconds to complete. The incision makes the lenticule accessible for removal and reshapes the cornea.
Healing: You should expect short-term blurred vision after laser vision correction surgery. As you follow Dr. Choi’s post-op instructions, your vision will gradually begin to improve within 1-2 days with mild to moderate comfort levels on a case-by-case basis.
SMILE Recovery and Post Operative Care
After the operation, you will need to have someone drive you home. Plan to take it slow and steady the rest of the day. Most patients can resume normal activities after just a day or two.
What To Expect
After laser vision correction surgery, you will experience some of the following:
- Mild tearing
- Irritation and/or mild inflammation
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity during the first 24 hours
Aftercare
- Take your antibiotic and moisturizing eye drop medications as prescribed by Dr. Choi.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or engaging in physical activities for several days.
- Wait to return to work for 1–2 days after the operation.
- Make sure that you arrange safe commutes for any trips away from home the days following surgery until you can see well enough to safely drive yourself.
- Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process progresses smoothly.
- Expect complete vision stabilization to return within a few weeks.
Gain more insight from our blog: How Long Will You Have Blurry Vision After SMILE?
SMILE vs. LASIK – Choosing the Best Option for Clear Vision
The quality of vision is very high for SMILE and LASIK procedures, but there are a few distinctions between the two. SMILE is considered a premium vision correction procedure, often performed by experienced LASIK surgeons, that involves newer technology and has a few advantages. However, both have high success rates and patient satisfaction, so the choice comes down to your vision needs and preferences.
Regardless of your pick, we offer the best laser eye surgery in Birmingham, AL. Here are a few key features and differences:
| Feature | SMILE Surgery | LASIK Surgery |
| Flap Created | No corneal flap | Yes, corneal flap repositioning occurs |
| Dry Eye Risk | Lower | Higher (nerve disruption) |
| Ideal Candidates | Thin corneas, chronic dry eyes | Most candidates with adequate corneal thickness |
| Visual Recovery | 1–2 days, might require an extra day of recovery time | 1–2 days, potential for delayed healing, and overall longer healing period |
| FDA‑Approved Range | Myopia up to –10 and astigmatism up to 3 diopters | Addresses a wide range of vision problems |
Trying to decide which procedure aligns best with your eyes and lifestyle? Schedule your consultation to receive expert advice from Dr. Choi for SMILE eye surgery in Birmingham, AL.
Experience Top-Rated Eye Care with Dr. Choi
Dr. Choi is a board-certified ophthalmologist by the American Board of Ophthalmology who has been recognized nationally for his work in Southeast Alabama. His practice has been successful for the past 15 years, and he has an extensive background in ophthalmology, glaucoma treatment, and refractive cataract treatment.
He specializes in refractive lens exchange, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), laser cataract eye surgery, and goniotomy for congenital glaucoma. His expertise in refractive surgeries like SMILE and LASIK makes him qualified to deliver exceptional results for every kind of patient.
Leading the Way in Laser Eye Surgery
To further his expertise, Dr. Choi completed a focused fellowship in refractive surgery to gain specialty training in modern LASIK practices. He continues to advance his knowledge by studying the latest surgical advancements and advanced technologies available in ocular care. He was the first eye surgeon in Alabama to use the Zeiss VisuMax® femtosecond laser to correct refractive errors surgically.
Dr. Choi’s devotion to his patients and commitment to setting the standard in modern eye care make him a highly respected expert in ophthalmology. He has helped many people in their journey toward improved eye health with lasting results.
Schedule Your SMILE Consultation
Young H. Choi Eye Surgery Center is Birmingham, Alabama’s premier destination for surgical eye procedures. Through advanced solutions, we specialize in enhancing eye health through top-of-the-line services that utilize the latest technology to refine your sight with precision and care.
It’s time to elevate your visual experience. Request a consultation online or call us today to learn more about our specialized eye care services in Vestavia Hills and the Greater Birmingham area.
SMILE Eye Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I a good candidate for SMILE?
You may be a good candidate for SMILE if you’re at least 22, have had a stable prescription for about a year, and are nearsighted with up to 3 diopters of astigmatism. SMILE is an especially good fit if you have dry eyes or thinner corneas, since it’s gentler on the eye’s surface than LASIK. An exam with Dr. Choi is the only way to know for sure — and if SMILE isn’t right for you, he can suggest options like LASIK or ICL.
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What’s the difference between SMILE and LASIK?
The main difference is that SMILE is flapless. Instead of creating a corneal flap the way LASIK does, Dr. Choi removes a small disc of tissue through a tiny 2–4 mm incision, which keeps more of the cornea’s surface and nerves intact. That’s why SMILE is often the better choice for people with dry eyes, thinner corneas, or active lifestyles where a flap could be a concern. LASIK still has its place — it can correct a wider range of prescriptions, including farsightedness — so Dr. Choi will help you choose between them. Learn more about LASIK.
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What can SMILE correct? Can it fix farsightedness?
SMILE corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism, but it isn’t used to treat farsightedness. If you’re farsighted, Dr. Choi may recommend LASIK or an ICL instead, both of which can address it. The best way to find out which procedure matches your prescription is a consultation.
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Is SMILE safe? Is it FDA-approved?
Yes — SMILE is FDA-approved and has a strong safety record. It was approved in the U.S. in 2016, has been performed millions of times worldwide, and is backed by hundreds of clinical studies showing excellent vision outcomes. Because it’s flapless and minimally invasive, it also carries a lower risk of certain flap-related complications associated with LASIK.
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Does SMILE hurt?
SMILE isn’t painful. Dr. Choi numbs your eyes with drops beforehand, so you’ll feel little more than slight pressure during the procedure, which takes only about 10–15 minutes. Afterward, some mild dryness or light sensitivity for a day or two is normal and fades as you heal.
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How long does SMILE recovery take?
Most patients have clear vision within 24 to 48 hours of SMILE and get back to their normal routine within a few days. Because there’s no corneal flap and only a small incision, recovery tends to be quick and comfortable, with fewer restrictions than flap-based procedures. Dr. Choi will give you simple aftercare instructions to follow while your eye heals.
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How much does SMILE cost in Birmingham, AL?
Your SMILE consultation with Dr. Choi is free, and we’ll give you your exact cost at that visit, since it depends on your prescription and your eyes. SMILE is an elective procedure, so it isn’t covered by insurance — but we offer financing through CareCredit, and you can put HSA or FSA funds toward it.
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Why choose Dr. Choi for SMILE in Birmingham?
Dr. Young H. Choi was the first surgeon to offer SMILE in Birmingham, and he’s the only surgeon in Alabama who performs laser vision correction with the advanced Zeiss VisuMax® laser. With over 15 years of experience and a board certification in ophthalmology, he provides personalized care from your first consultation through your recovery. Meet Dr. Choi.
After you schedule your first appointment with our staff, please print or download our new patient paperwork here. We encourage you to complete these mandatory forms before your consultation appointment and bring them to accelerate your check-in. If you need any additional information, please check under patient resources.
