5 Things to Consider When Deciding on LASIK

If you’ve dreamed of seeing the world with unaided, clear vision, LASIK might be the transformative solution you’ve been looking for. This revolutionary procedure has enabled countless individuals to significantly reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses, offering greater visual freedom.

However, making the decision to undergo LASIK is not one to be taken lightly. It requires careful contemplation of various factors and ensuring that LASIK is right for you.

Keep reading to learn five things to consider when deciding on LASIK!

1. Am I a Candidate For LASIK?

Before deciding to undergo LASIK, it’s essential to visit your eye doctor at VisionFirst Eye Center in Birmingham, Alabama, for a LASIK evaluation. This is the most important part of determining whether or not you will be able to proceed with LASIK.

LASIK is not the best refractive surgery option for everyone. For this reason, a thorough exam is required to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Factors such as age, stable vision prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health play a crucial role in determining whether LASIK is a suitable option for you.

2. What is my LASIK Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation?

The success and safety of LASIK largely depend on the skill and experience of your LASIK surgeon. Choosing a LASIK surgeon with a proven track record of successful surgeries and positive patient testimonials is important.

At VisionFirst Eye Center, our LASIK surgeon, Dr. Bret Fisher, has performed over 50,000 LASIK procedures and even performed the first LASIK surgery in Bay County, Florida, in 1995. You can trust you are in good hands with Dr. Fisher if you are considering LASIK.

3. What Happens During LASIK?

Educating yourself about the LASIK procedure, including its different variations, is also very important. Gain a clear understanding of the pre-surgery preparations, the actual procedure, and what to expect during the recovery process. 

During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon will use a laser to create a flap in the top layer of your cornea. Then, they will fold this flap to the side in order to get access to the inner layers of your cornea, which will be the tissue that will be altered during the procedure.

Then, they will use another laser to correct your cornea and adjust for your refractive error. LASIK is a fairly quick procedure that is outpatient, meaning you will get to go home afterward.

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4. What are the Risks and Complications of LASIK?

While LASIK is generally safe and effective, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and complications. Discuss these with your LASIK surgeon and make sure you understand the possible side effects.

Understanding the risks will allow you to make the most informed decision.

5. Are My Expectations for the Results of LASIK Realistic?

It’s essential that you have realistic expectations for the outcome of LASIK surgery. While many patients achieve significant vision improvement, LASIK does not guarantee perfect vision, and some individuals may still require glasses for certain activities. 

Having realistic expectations is another important factor that will help your eye doctor determine whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK.

Remember, undergoing LASIK is a significant decision that can have a positive impact on your vision and lifestyle. After LASIK, you will be able to live a life with much greater visual freedom.

Are you interested in learning more about LASIK or determining if you may be a good candidate for the procedure? Schedule an appointment at VisionFirst Eye Center in Birmingham, AL, today!

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Testimonials

I've had wonderful experiences with the staff at VisionFirst Eye Center in Alabaster. Everyone is friendly, courteous, and most even laughed at my crazy sense of humor! 😀 Yesterday was my 1st visit with Dr. Chwalek. She was awesome! She's very knowledgeable and made sure I understood what was going on with my eye. If you need an eye doc, give them a call.
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Donna G

Professionals all the way. This group of young Men and Ladies explain everything in layman's terms and put you at ease during your visit. But they treat you with dignity and respect and as if you were family. Thank you all at Vision First. Thank you.
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Carol B

I just had my 2nd cataract surgery. From beginning to end, from Receptionist to Dr, they have been very Professional. You’re told from the time you start your journey whether it be needing glasses/ contacts to eye surgery everything is explained in detail about whatever it may be that you need. The entire staff is very Friendly and Professional with each client. I’ll stay with them from this point on. Blessings to Vision 1st.
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Denise H

Dr. Chwalek & her staff are always so very kind, gracious and professional!! Each time I have an appointment, I'm always met with smiling faces and a warm friendly reception! It starts at the front desk and continues throughout the office! 5 out of 5 stars every time!! ☆☆☆☆☆
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Wayne W

Dr. Chawlek is amazing. She spent a lot of time with me and addressed issues that other previous doctors had dismissed. She did tests, came up with a solution to the problem, and scheduled a follow up. Just went there for my yearly exam, and she ended up putting me on a path to fix the issues I had been having for years! 10/10 recommend.
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Misti W

Very professional personnel. Every option and procedure was explained to me. Very thorough. Great experience. Highly recommend VisionFirst.
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Mary L

I have just had cataract surgeries arranged through VisionFirst and I am more than thrilled with the results! Both eye surgeries went perfectly and it’s only two days after my second surgery. My vision is already spectacular! I could not be happier with both the optometrist, Dr. Melanie Chwalek, at VisionFirst, and the eye surgeon, Dr. Bret Fisher. I very highly recommend both of them.
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Carole C

I went in with some eye problems they were able to see me the same day.Dr Chwalek was very thorough and explained everything to me.
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Tina L

The technician was very knowledgeable and the doctor was very thorough!
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Deborah B

Excellent experience - my Technician spent a lot of time with me, went above and beyond; my ophthalmologist was thorough, friendly and professional. Registration easy and user friendly. Highly recommend!
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Nanci W

I had cataracts surgery on both eyes by Dr. Bret Fisher. He did an excellent job restoring my vision. I am so thankful and grateful for him and his staff. Also need to thank Melanie chwalek for post eye exams. All my questions was answered. Kim the tech was always there with a smile and checking up on me. Best professional eye care Thank you.
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Dorothy T

I was overly impressed, from registration to completion. The Tech Kim, was so very nice & helpful. Dr. Bret was, so pleasant & very informative about my condition. He was very patient in making sure, I understood the upcoming procedure. I will highly recommend your Services.
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Florence J

I highly recommend Dr Rebecca Doss at Vision First Eye Center. She worked diligently with me in helping me understand the problems that I was having with my eyes. I was back at the office yesterday and was proud to get good results. My experience was great!
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Eddie C

The staff was very friendly, kind and compassionate. They work well together giving the patient the best care. I highly recommend VisionFirst Eye Center!!
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Emily B

Best experience I've ever had getting an eye exam, and I'm so excited to be getting my new glasses soon. Everyone was so helpful, and made it a wonderful experience for me. I will recommend them to everyone I know! Thank you to everyone at Vision First Eye Center!
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Kim S

Dr. Bearman is the most caring and understanding Dr. I've ever met . The whole staff treat you as if your their only patient in their office. And that's a rare thing these days.
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Betty B

Staff were friendly and efficient. Dr. Fisher did an outstanding job and took great care with my eyes. He came highly recommended. Very happy with the results. Wish I had taken the leap to have LASIK years ago and saved myself all the $ and inconvenience.
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Anon A

It is always a great experience. The staff is always considerate, professional, and most of they put your needs first.

My wife and I have had Dr. Doss as our Optometrist for over 20 years. She is the best. Her happy smile is contagious. She is always considerate, professional, and just an all around great caring person.

If I could rate your staff and company it would be well above a 10.

Thank you for being our optical staff and Dr Doss.
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Kurt Y

My first visit to Vision First, Pell City clinic, was very positive. Everyone who had a part in my appointment was very courteous & professional. Dr. Cleghern was so thorough & knowledgeable & answered all my questions & concerns.
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Maxine B

Dr Bearman… the best. The staff and professionals of VisionFirst, the best. Will be sending all my family here from now on. Highly recommend!
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Suzan B

Great experience from beginning to end of visit. The registration process was easy, the technician was friendly and polite, the doctor was thorough and answered my questions with ease and the technician who helped me choose my frames was very helpful. Everyone was friendly and polite while also being professional. Highly recommended to anyone needing eye care.
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Alicia S

Dr. Hamby is awesome! He took so much time with me and made me feel like he truly cared about my eyes! I will take my family to him from now on!
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Kim T

Dr. Cleghern and her team give great quality care and do it all very efficiently with minimal wait times.
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Elizabeth T

My husband and I recently had our eye exam with Dr. Hamby at Vision First. I can say for certain it was the best eye exam I've had. My husband has serious eye issues and Dr Hamby took time with him. We will definitely refer our friends and family.
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Thyra H

Dr. McClintock is amazing the staff is super friendly. I have been here a couple times and they remember me and treat me great when I’m there!! Worth the little drive away from home and I found them through insurance as I’m newer to the area so it was just good luck.
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Samantha G

I love VisionFirst Eye Care in Trussville. Dr. McClintock takes great care with me. I have been both for glasses and for an eye infection. In all cases, he took time to listen, asked me if I had any questions and found a solution to my issue. Everyone who works there is helpful and friendly. I recommend them!
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Samantha G

I had a 7:45 am appointment. I was taken back for my eye exam in a timely manner. The doctor saw me shortly after the exam and discussed the results of the exam. Very professional visit!
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Jeremy L

My kids love Dr. Hamby and the whole staff. He listens to us and lets me know everything that is going on. The staff is also very sweet and knowledgeable.
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Lynda S

I felt in good care with Dr McClintock and his team. I did not feel rushed. Eyes are very important and they take their jobs seriously, I appreciate that!

Thank you all!
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Yvette Hornsby

Dr. Mc Clintock and staff at Vision 1st in Trussville are awesome! Very accommodating and professional. I've been a patient there for years! They are very consistent and extremely pleasant. They take care of my vision and help keep it healthy.
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Catherine P

Dr. Bearman recently did my cataract removal procedure. Everything went smoothly. Every follow-up has been done very efficient and professionally. He has a great staff. He is a great Doctor with a wonderful bedside manner. I would recommend him highly.
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Linda P

Dr. McClintock & the rest of the staff have always been very accommodating. It’s not always easy to find the correct contacts when your prescription changes but they worked with me in getting them right & making me happy! Highly recommend!
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Tracy D

Great experience, from check in to testing to my first impression of the doctors every one was kind and helpful and made me feel reassured. They answered all of my questions , I left feeling very confident and informed.
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Pamela B

Excellent customer service from the moment I walked in the door. Office staff was amazing. The eye glass center representative was awesome even helped pick a pair of glasses outside of my comfort zone. But I love them. Highly recommend Vision First and Dr. Hamby.
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Jeff W