Is laser eye surgery safe?
Laser eye surgery has been performed on more than a million people worldwide. Lasers used in the procedures are cold lasers, meaning that they cannot remove or damage tissue outside the treatment area. The Federal Drug Administration regulates all vision correction procedures and equipment. Dr. Mitchell uses FDA-approved devices and has performed over 5,000 LASIK surgeries. With our experience and our commitment to bringing you the most advanced technology, you can feel safe having laser eye surgery at Huntsville Laser Center.
Fine print is starting to seem blurry to me. What does that mean?
Presbyopia is the slow degeneration of the eye's ability to focus on near objects. Almost everyone age 40 and over has some degree of presbyopia. If you must squint or hold your book or newspaper away from your eyes to see it clearly, you may be affected. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, and it happens to more than half of all people over age 60. Both presbyopia and cataracts are natural conditions of the aging process, but with today's technology, you don't have to live with vision problems. If you would prefer not to wear bifocal lenses, or if you must have your cataracts removed, there are many options to help you see clearly again – in many cases, without glasses or bifocals.
What is blade-free LASIK?
Dr. Mitchell stays at the forefront of LASIK technology! "Blade-free" describes the advanced IntraLase® technology available at the Huntsville Laser Center. Instead of using a microkeratome, or handheld metal blade, to cut the corneal flap during LASIK, IntraLase® uses a precision laser to cut the flap. IntraLase® makes it possible for Dr. Mitchell to prepare your corneal flap to exact specifications of diameter, depth, and structure.
Aren't all LASIK doctors the same?
No! At Huntsville Laser Center, Dr. Mitchell brings you the advanced technology and the personal care you deserve. There's no need to go out of town to find a top-notch LASIK surgeon. Dr. Mitchell and his superb team are with you every step of the way… the difference IS the doctor!
I have astigmatism. Can I still have vision correction surgery?
In the past, many people with astigmatism believed that they were not eligible for vision correction surgery. With today's advanced technology at Huntsville Laser Center, however, patients with vision abnormalities including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are eligible for vision correction surgery. To find out which procedure is right for you, please contact Dr. Mitchell at the Huntsville Laser Center today for your free screening.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
A LASIK candidate is someone whose vision has not changed for at least two years, has no history of corneal disease or other disorders of the eye, has no fluctuations in vision due to other health conditions or medications, has adequate thickness of the cornea, is not pregnant or nursing, and is at least 18 years of age. Although you must be evaluated by a surgeon to determine your personal eligibility for LASIK, most people with normal eye conditions will find that they are qualified for LASIK surgery. If you are not eligible for the standard LASIK procedure, however, you may still be able to have another vision correction treatment, such as PRK, custom LASIK, or intraocular lenses. Please contact us today for more information.
How much does vision correction surgery cost?
At Huntsville Laser Center, we offer free vision screenings for eye surgery candidates. If you proceed, the cost for your laser surgery will depend on which technology and options you and Dr. Mitchell select. To help make vision correction affordable for everyone, we are pleased to offer an excellent financing service. The Capital One® Healthcare Finance vision plan offers rates as low as 1.9%, with low monthly payments and terms up to 60 months. Visit www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com/vision/ for more information on this great service.
Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
Most patients can have corrective surgery in both eyes on the same day. However, some patients may prefer to have one eye done and come back in a few days or weeks for the other eye. Dr. Mitchell will work with you to set up a schedule that best meets your needs.
I was previously turned down for LASIK. Is there another type of vision treatment for me?
Patients who have thin or damaged corneas, severe vision abnormalities, or unstable vision may have been considered ineligible for LASIK at one time. But with today's rapidly evolving technology, new vision correction procedures are becoming available all the time. Huntsville Laser Center offers any of these advanced technology options. Let Dr. Mitchell help you determine whether PRK, custom LASIK, or intraocular lenses (IOLs) may help you achieve the clear vision you desire – contact us today for a consultation.
Which is the best vision correction procedure?
Everyone's eyes are different – and everyone's vision needs and goals are different. That's why Dr. Mitchell is so committed to offering a variety of advanced vision treatments. From the VISX® CustomVue™ system, to the IntraLase® blade-free LASIK procedure, to the latest in FDA-approved intraocular lenses, Dr. Mitchell is proud to offer a complete menu of vision care services. Every step of the way, Dr. Mitchell and the Huntsville Laser Center team work with you to design a treatment plan that meets not only your physical needs, but your lifestyle as well.
Will I have to have general anesthesia during surgery?
Vision correction surgery does not require general anesthesia. In most cases, you will be given eye drops before the procedure to numb you eyes. If you are nervous, you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. You will be awake and aware throughout the procedure, but will not feel any discomfort. Vision correction surgery is safe and painless.
Can I get rid of my glasses and contacts forever?
There is no procedure available that can guarantee perfect vision for the rest of your life. The good news is, most people who elect to have vision correction surgery experience marked improvement in their vision for a significant amount of time.
What's more, there are now vision treatments available to help your vision stay clear and sharp, without glasses, at different stages of life. For example, new accommodating implantable lenses from Crystalens® and ReSTOR® can help many people have acceptable distance, middle, and near vision after cataract removal surgery, without bifocals or reading glasses. And new variations of the LASIK procedure, such as monovision LASIK (where one eye focuses at a distance, and one eye focuses up close), can help many people have more years without wearing glasses. You may not be able to completely get rid of your glasses forever, but today's vision procedures can significantly reduce your need to rely on them.
How soon will I be able to see clearly after LASIK?
LASIK patients often experience clear vision immediately after the procedure, or within 24 hours of the procedure.
If I have vision correction surgery, will I have to stay in the hospital?
No. Vision surgery with Dr. Mitchell is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home after treatment. Most people can return to work the next day after surgery.
Does vision correction surgery hurt?
With Dr. Mitchell, vision surgery is safe and painless. Before your procedure, you will be given drops to numb your eyes. Although you may feel some slight sensations during the procedure, you will not feel any pain.
Can I have a companion with me during my surgery?
We have a viewing room where family or friends can watch the procedure, if you like.
More questions?
Please use our online contact form, or call (877) 704-EYES today. Discover how improving your vision can improve your quality of life!
Feel free to give us a call or send an email about any questions you may have about our procedures
William Mitchell, MD
Come visit us at our new location!
3501 South Memorial Parkway
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone / 256-704-3937
Toll Free / 877-704-EYES
Fax / 256-704-3940
